PM Chính Orders Urgent Completion of Central Expressway Sections Before March 10
Central Region, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has directed the Ministry of Construction and relevant agencies to urgently finalise procedures to bring into operation 214 kilometres of newly built expressway in Việt Nam’s central region, ensuring the route is fully open, safe and secure before March 10.
The instruction was issued on Sunday as the Prime Minister led a working delegation to inspect key expressway projects and visit resettlement areas established under the rapid-response “Quang Trung Campaign”.
Major Infrastructure Push
The expressway projects span 351.1 kilometres with a total investment of VNĐ70.2 trillion (US$2.68 billion), running through the provinces of Quảng Ngãi, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk and Khánh Hòa.
More than 83 kilometres of the Vân Phong–Nha Trang section have been operational since April 19, 2025. An additional 214 kilometres — from the start of the Quảng Ngãi–Hoài Nhơn section to the southern portal of the Cù Mông Tunnel — have been completed, with authorities currently finalising procedures to enable operation.
The remaining 53.7 kilometres are scheduled for completion in March. The Prime Minister urged contractors to mobilise maximum financial resources and accelerate construction to meet the deadline, while expediting administrative procedures and finalising tunnel works to ensure synchronised operation of the entire route within the year.
Strengthening Traffic Management and Safety
The Prime Minister instructed investors and contractors to fast-track the installation of traffic management systems and service areas to ensure they become operational in tandem with the expressways.
He also ordered close coordination with local authorities to resolve site clearance issues, restore affected areas, maintain environmental hygiene and minimise disruptions to residents’ livelihoods.
The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security was directed to deploy patrol forces immediately upon opening of new sections, guiding motorists and strictly addressing violations that endanger road safety.
Provincial authorities were asked to refine development planning, restructure production and services, optimise agricultural patterns and fully leverage new economic opportunities created by the expressways. Interchanges and rest stops must comply with legal standards and incorporate green, modern and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Across five expressway projects stretching from Quảng Ngãi to Khánh Hòa, traffic monitoring and control systems are being finalised to meet the target of operational readiness before April 30. Four rest areas are complete, while a fifth is expected to be finished in July.
Officials acknowledged construction challenges, including storms, landslides, weak soil conditions and material shortages, particularly during Typhoon Kalmaegi and historic floods in November 2025. Despite disruptions, contractors have continued work on pavement foundations, safety systems and drainage infrastructure.
The Prime Minister commended ministries, contractors and local authorities for maintaining progress amid natural disasters and thanked residents for voluntarily relinquishing land for the projects.
Resettlement Areas to Become Model Communities
During his visit to resettlement areas built under the campaign, the Prime Minister directed authorities to develop the Quảng Đức resettlement area in Tuy An Nam Commune, Đắk Lắk Province, into a model residential community.
The settlement provides housing for 36 households displaced by storms and floods at the end of 2025. Built under the “Quang Trung Campaign,” the initiative has rebuilt more than 1,500 collapsed homes and repaired over 34,000 severely damaged houses across the central region.
He instructed relevant stakeholders to ensure full development of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, clean water supply, internet connectivity, community facilities and nursery schools, while guaranteeing access to healthcare and education.
Green spaces, landscaping and sustainable livelihood opportunities must be prioritised to help residents stabilise their lives and promote long-term socio-economic development.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the policy of “leaving no one behind,” particularly ahead of the 14th National Party Congress and Lunar New Year 2026.
Residents expressed gratitude for the Government’s support, pledging to build a green, civilised and model community in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.
