Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has proposed investing approximately VND 178.36 trillion (US$6.8 billion) to expand around 1,144 km of the eastern North–South Expressway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The proposal covers 18 sections and aims to upgrade roads that generally have four limited-standard lanes to six full-standard expressway lanes. The expansion is intended to accommodate growing traffic demand, improve road capacity and strengthen connectivity between Vietnam’s major economic centres.

Vietnam has proposed an investment of approximately US$6.8 billion to expand around 1,144 km of the North–South Expressway across 18 sections, upgrading the existing road infrastructure to six full-standard expressway lanes. The expansion is expected to be implemented primarily through PPP arrangements. The proposal includes a 415 km northern section between Mai Son and Cam Lo and a 551 km southern section between Quang Ngai and Dau Giay. The expected capital recovery period is approximately 20 years for the northern project and 15 years for the southern project, with toll revenues serving as a key mechanism for investors to recover their investment.

The proposal envisages attracting private investment through PPP arrangements, under which private investors finance, develop or operate infrastructure in accordance with the relevant contractual framework. Three existing toll-road sections—Dien Chau–Bai Vot, Nha Trang–Cam Lam and Cam Lam–Vinh Hao—would be treated as separate projects, with approximately VND27.95 trillion (US$1.06 billion) required for their expansion.

The other 15 sections would be grouped into two larger PPP projects without state-budget financial support under the proposed structure. The northern project is estimated to cost VND72.19 trillion (US$2.74 billion), while the southern project is estimated at VND78.22 trillion (US$2.97 billion). Investors could recover their capital through toll collection, subject to applicable regulations and the final project arrangements. Several infrastructure companies have reportedly expressed interest in participating, including Vietnam Expressway Corporation, Deo Ca Group, Ho Chi Minh City Infrastructure Investment Joint Stock Company (CII) and Xuan Truong Construction Enterprise.