VIETNAM’S EXPRESSWAY NETWORK REACHES 3,800 KILOMETERS

A section of Vietnam's North-South Expressway - PHOTO: LE VU

HCMC – Vietnam has brought more than 3,800 kilometers of expressways into operation and technical service, marking a significant step forward in the development of the country’s traffic infrastructure network.

According to the latest report from the Ministry of Construction, Vietnam’s transport infrastructure network is being gradually completed in line with national planning. Of the total expressway length, about 3,345 kilometers are main expressway routes, while 458 kilometers consist of interchanges and access roads.

The development of major expressway corridors has helped road transport maintain its dominant role, accounting for around 91% of passenger transport and 70-75% of the domestic freight transport market.

The country is currently accelerating investment in 38 new expressway projects spanning around 2,111 kilometers. Local authorities are directly implementing 29 of these projects, with a combined length of nearly 1,800 kilometers.

Alongside road transport, the maritime sector has also recorded strong growth, with cargo throughput projected to exceed 955 million tons in 2025. The Ministry of Construction is reviewing integrated planning to strengthen connectivity between maritime and inland waterway transport while expediting key gateway port projects, including Cai Mep Ha in HCMC, Lien Chieu Port in Danang City, and terminals at Lach Huyen Port in Haiphong City to improve supply chain efficiency.

To support the Government’s target of achieving GDP growth of more than 10% in 2026, the construction and transport sectors are prioritizing major aviation and railway projects. Key priorities include accelerating the first phase of Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai City, upgrading airports in Ca Mau, Nghe An and Lam Dong provinces, and preparing infrastructure for the 2027 APEC Summit in Phu Quoc Special Zone off the coast of An Giang Province.

In the railway sector, the ministry is finalizing a technology report for the North-South high-speed railway project while advancing northern rail links such as the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong route. Authorities are also preparing measures to cope with fluctuations in material prices and global geopolitical uncertainties to avoid construction delays.

Source: The Saigon Times