The Ministry of Construction’s decision to adjust the Road Network Master Plan for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision towards 2050, bringing forward investment in the Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia Expressway (CT.02) and Phu Yen - Dak Lak Expressway (CT.23) from after 2030 period to before 2030, has raised high expectations in Dak Lak, as well as across the Central Highlands and South Central Coast.

The Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia Expressway (CT.02) is approximately 260 km long and runs through three provinces, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong, with around 140 km within Dak Lak. The project has a preliminary investment estimate of around 70 trillion VND under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the State expected to contribute around 70% and investors to mobilise the remainder.

Meanwhile, the Phu Yen - Dak Lak Expressway (CT.23) is more than 200 km long. In Phase 1, approximately 120 km will be constructed, connecting Bai Goc Port with Buon Ho; Phase 2 will extend from Buon Ho to Dak Rue Border Gate.

National Highway 29, a vital transport route connecting the eastern and western parts of Dak Lak, has deteriorated and can no longer meet growing transport demand.

Beyond their significance as transport infrastructure, the two expressways are expected to establish strategic connectivity corridors linking the Central Highlands with the South Central Coast, the Southeast region and international border-gate areas. They are also set to lay the foundation for new economic corridors, strengthen regional linkages and expand Dak Lak’s development space across various sectors including industry, trade, tourism and logistics.

More importantly, with its modern design and alignment along the western part of the province, the CT.02 route is expected to improve mobility while contributing to border security, social order and stability.

Proactively preparing resources

Over the years, Dak Lak’s transport infrastructure system has made significant progress with support from the central government and substantial investment.

However, as a key hub of the Central Highlands, the province is facing increasing pressure on its transport system. Many national highways have been in operation for a long time and have consequently deteriorated. Transport within the Central Highlands provinces and connections with seaports in the central region and the southern key economic region still rely primarily on National Highway 14, which has deteriorated and become congested along several sections.

National Highway 14, a vital transport artery connecting the Central Highlands provinces, is under increasing pressure from traffic.

Against this backdrop, bringing forward the investment for the CT.02 and CT.23 expressways to before 2030 is of particular importance. According to PPC Vice Chairman Truong Cong Thai, completing the two expressways will provide a major driving force for socio-economic development, enhance regional connectivity, strengthen national defence and security while promoting the logistics sector.

For the Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia Expressway, the province is coordinating with consultants and investors to provide information, data, planning documents and sources of construction materials to support the completion of the investment policy proposal dossier. The province aims to complete the necessary procedures so that both expressways can commence construction in 2027, provided that all regulatory requirements are met.

Translated by KHUONG THAO