On Track for Completion: Vietnam’s North-South Expressway to Be Fully Operational by 2025
On December 15, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected and reviewed the progress of the Can Tho – Ca Mau Expressway project, a crucial component of Vietnam’s ambitious North-South Expressway.
The Can Tho – Ca Mau Expressway is the final stretch of the extensive North-South Expressway, which spans over 730 km across the country. With 11 segments already completed between 2015 and 2020, the current phase aims to finish the remaining 12th segment by the end of 2025, connecting the entire nation from north to south.
Completing the Can Tho – Ca Mau project on time is of utmost importance as it will open new avenues for development, connecting the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam. It will also inspire and accelerate the progress of other significant projects, ensuring they meet their deadlines in 2026 and beyond.
Prime Minister emphasizes the unwavering deadline of December 31, 2025, for the completion of the North-South Expressway. Image: VGP/Nhat Bac
The Can Tho – Ca Mau Expressway comprises a main route spanning over 110.85 km and a 25.85 km connector. The project is divided into two components: the Can Tho – Hau Giang section and the Hau Giang – Ca Mau section, with a total investment of VND 27,500 billion. Construction commenced on January 1, 2023, with a target completion date of December 31, 2025.
Significant progress has been made in terms of land clearance, with 100% completion on the main route and near completion on the connector, except for a small portion in Can Tho City that is being addressed. The construction process has been intensive, with 234 construction sites, 971 pieces of equipment, and 3,000 workers organized into 3 shifts, achieving 55%-61% of the planned output. Regarding sand filling, 11.8 million cubic meters out of the required 15.2 million cubic meters for 2024 have been delivered, leaving a deficit of 3.4 million cubic meters. The cumulative disbursement stands at VND 14,353 billion out of VND 14,766 billion (97%), and for 2024, VND 5,831 billion out of VND 6,356 billion has been disbursed (92%), meeting the planned targets.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister firmly stated that there would be no changes to the deadline, emphasizing that the Can Tho – Ca Mau project must be completed by December 31, 2025, to ensure the full operation of the North-South Expressway. He underscored that this is a heartfelt command, a requirement of the country, and the expectation of the people.
A bustling construction site: The Can Tho – Ca Mau Expressway takes shape. Image: VGP/Nhat Bac
Plans to Extend the Expressway from Ca Mau City to Dat Mui Underway
Following the inspection of the Can Tho – Ca Mau Expressway, the Prime Minister directed relevant ministries, sectors, and local authorities to study the extension of the expressway from Ca Mau City to Dat Mui (approximately 80 km). The Ca Mau province will take charge of the implementation with central support and funding. Efforts will be made to commence construction on this extension within the next year.
Previously, the Road Department proposed adding the Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway to the new planning with a length of about 90 km and a scale of four lanes. This proposal is envisioned for post-2030 investment.
According to forecasts, the Ca Mau – Dat Mui section is expected to handle 18,300-20,100 car equivalents per day by 2030, necessitating the construction of a four-lane expressway to match the standard of the Can Tho – Ca Mau segment.
The North-South Expressway will extend to the southernmost tip of Ca Mau. Image: Ca Mau Tourism
As per the plan, the Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway will run parallel to National Highway 1 and the Ho Chi Minh Road until it reaches Rach Goc town and eventually Dat Mui in Ngoc Hien district. This alignment aims to leverage the advantages of the future Hon Khoai international seaport.
Together with the east-west axis roads, the Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway will serve as a pillar for the development of the marine economy, harnessing the potential and strengths of the southernmost region of the country, while also solidifying national defense and security.
In reality, the need for development, especially in harnessing the potential of the Ca Mau National Park, is evident. The construction of the expressway will reduce travel time by a third compared to the current smaller, narrower routes of National Highway 1 and the Ho Chi Minh Road, which experience high traffic volumes.
Thai Ha
