Construction Minister Tran Hong Minh, acting on behalf of the prime minister, has submitted proposals to the National Assembly for investment approval for the Bao Ha-Tan Phong section of the Bao Ha-Lai Chau Expressway and the section of the Moc Chau-Son La-Dien Bien Expressway running through Son La Province.
The Bao Ha-Tan Phong section would stretch approximately 119 kilometres through Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, with four lanes and a design speed of 80-100 kilometres per hour.
The project is estimated to cost nearly VND 51 trillion, including almost VND 49 trillion from the central government budget and more than VND 2 trillion from Lai Chau's provincial budget.
Land clearance and construction are expected to begin in 2027, with substantial completion targeted for 2030 and operations scheduled to start in 2031.
The proposed Moc Chau-Son La-Dien Bien Expressway section through Son La Province would extend nearly 180 kilometres, featuring four lanes and a design speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
Its preliminary investment cost is estimated at more than VND 63 trillion, funded by the central government budget.
Subject to approval by the relevant authorities, compensation, resettlement and construction work would begin in 2027. The project is expected to be largely completed by 2030 and open to traffic in 2031.
To accelerate implementation, the government has proposed special mechanisms covering investment approval authority, land compensation and resettlement, direct contractor appointments, adjustments to related plans, construction waste disposal sites and additional central funding if project costs increase.
If approved and completed, the two expressways would improve connections between the provincial administrative centres of Son La, Lai Chau and Lao Cai, neighbouring localities and Hanoi.
The projects are also expected to strengthen cross-border connectivity, improve transport capacity and support the development of the northern midland and mountainous region.
Authorities say the expressways would help stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty and strengthen national defence and security.