The Government has proposed that the National Assembly consider the investment policy for two expressway projects: the Bao Ha–Tan Phong Expressway and the Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien Expressway, in the section passing through Son La Province, with a combined preliminary total investment of more than VND 114 trillion. The projects are expected to commence construction in 2027, achieve substantial completion by 2030, and enter commercial operation from 2031.
According to the submission signed by Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh under authorization from the Prime Minister, the two projects will play an important role in strengthening transport connectivity, completing the expressway network in the northern midland and mountainous region, driving socio-economic development, and safeguarding national defence and security.
Bao Ha–Tan Phong Expressway: Total Investment of Nearly VND 51 Trillion
The Bao Ha–Tan Phong Expressway project is approximately 119 km long and passes through Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. The proposed design comprises four lanes, with a design speed of 80–100 km/h, meeting transport demand and strengthening connectivity between southern Lao Cai Province, the administrative centre of Lai Chau Province, Hanoi, and other localities across the region.
The preliminary total investment is nearly VND 51 trillion, of which nearly VND 49 trillion will be allocated from the central government budget and more than VND 2 trillion from the Lai Chau provincial budget. Land clearance and construction commencement are scheduled for 2027. The project is expected to achieve substantial completion in 2030 and enter commercial operation in 2031.
Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien Expressway: Total Investment of More Than VND 63 Trillion
For the Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien Expressway project, specifically the section passing through Son La Province, the proposal submitted to the National Assembly envisages a route of nearly 180 km, comprising four lanes with a design speed of 80 km/h.
The project has a preliminary total investment of more than VND 63 trillion, to be funded by the central government budget. Under the proposed schedule, compensation, support and resettlement activities, together with construction commencement, will take place in 2027. The project is expected to achieve substantial completion in 2030 and enter commercial operation from 2031.
Upon completion, the expressway will strengthen connectivity between Son La, Hanoi and other localities in the region. It will also contribute to promoting international connectivity and improving the utilisation of transport infrastructure projects that have already been completed or are currently under development.
Special Policy Mechanisms Proposed to Ensure Timely Delivery and Investment Efficiency
To accelerate the preparation and implementation of the two projects, the Government has proposed special mechanisms and policies covering investment policy approval authority; compensation, support and resettlement; contractor appointment; planning adjustments; the designation of disposal sites for solid construction waste; and additional central government budget allocations in the event of increases in total investment costs.
For the Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien Expressway section passing through Son La Province, an additional mechanism has been proposed to allow the province to retain 100% of land-use levy revenues.
Investment in these two expressways is expected to progressively complete the road expressway network in the northern midland and mountainous region, increase transport capacity, shorten travel times between localities, expand trade opportunities and unlock the region’s economic development potential. The projects are also expected to improve travel conditions, support poverty reduction, enhance local livelihoods, and strengthen national defence and security in northern Vietnam’s mountainous areas.
Editorial Board – TECCO1