On April 19, 2025, a significant milestone in Vietnam's infrastructure development was celebrated with the inauguration of the Van Phong-Nha Trang expressway. The ceremony, held in Ninh Xuan commune, Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province, marked not only the completion of a vital transportation link but also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.
The Van Phong-Nha Trang section is part of the larger North-South expressway project, which aims to enhance connectivity across the nation. This particular segment stretches a total of 83.35 kilometers, traversing four districts: Van Ninh, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Vinh, and Dien Khanh. The newly opened section runs 70.35 kilometers from Km298+000 in Van Thang commune, Van Ninh district, to Km368+350 in Dien Tho commune, Dien Khanh district. Designed for a maximum speed of 120 km/h, the expressway is set to significantly reduce travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Khanh Hoa.
The project, which began construction in January 2023, was completed approximately eight months ahead of schedule, a testament to the effective management and execution by the construction teams. At its peak, the project employed over 2,500 workers and utilized more than 1,200 pieces of heavy equipment. According to the Ministry of Construction, the total investment for the project reached approximately 11.808 trillion VND.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, who attended the inauguration, highlighted the expressway's importance in fostering economic growth. "The opening of the Van Phong-Nha Trang expressway will facilitate the development of the marine economy, tourism, and logistics, which are critical pillars for the local economy," he stated. The expressway is expected to create more than 450 kilometers of connectivity from Ho Chi Minh City to the Co Ma tunnel, reducing travel time to Phu Yen to just five hours.
As traffic flows onto the new expressway, it is anticipated that it will alleviate congestion along National Route 1A, which has been a chronic issue for commuters. The expressway will not only improve travel efficiency but also enhance safety by reducing the number of accidents in densely populated areas such as Diên Khánh town and Ninh Hoa town. The expressway is designed to accommodate cars only, with a minimum speed limit of 60 km/h and a maximum of 90 km/h.
In addition to the expressway's operational benefits, the project also aligns with the government's broader goals of expanding the national expressway network. By 2025, the government aims to have 3,000 kilometers of expressways operational, with a target of 5,000 kilometers by 2030. The Van Phong-Nha Trang expressway is a crucial step towards achieving these ambitious targets.
The success of the project was attributed to the continuous and decisive leadership from the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, who have prioritized infrastructure development as a national objective. They emphasized a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, stating, "Difficulties will be resolved wherever they arise, and we will not shy away from the hard work required to achieve our goals." This commitment has driven the project to completion ahead of schedule.
During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Phoc also participated in a charitable act, handing over two houses to impoverished families in Ninh Hoa district as part of a program aimed at eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing. This gesture underscores the government's commitment to improving living conditions for all citizens as infrastructure projects progress.
As the Van Phong-Nha Trang expressway opens to traffic, it not only marks a significant achievement in Vietnam's transportation infrastructure but also symbolizes the ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and economic development across the nation. The project is expected to play a vital role in boosting local economies, attracting investment, and promoting tourism in the coastal regions of Central Vietnam.
The expressway is equipped with a rest stop located at Km334+900, which will serve as a convenient point for travelers. The Ministry of Construction has also announced plans to commence the construction of additional facilities to enhance the travel experience along this vital route.
In summary, the inauguration of the Van Phong-Nha Trang expressway represents a pivotal advancement in Vietnam's infrastructure strategy, providing a much-needed boost to the economy while enhancing the quality of life for residents in the region. With its successful completion, the project sets a precedent for future infrastructure endeavors across the country, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous Vietnam.
