About 3,345 kilometres of expressways have been completed, opened to traffic or technically opened nationwide, while another 1,870 kilometres are under construction by the ministry and local authorities.
However, rest area development has lagged behind, with many facilities failing to keep pace with the expressways they are intended to serve.
The ministry blamed the delays on investment hurdles, slow site clearance, land procedures and difficulties faced by some investors in managing construction and technical issues.
As a result, many rest areas have not been completed alongside new expressways, leaving motorists without adequate services.
The ministry has asked the Vietnam Road Administration to review problems in rest area development, particularly investment models, and submit proposals this month to speed up future projects.
The administration was also told to finalise the rest area network for other expressways and work with local authorities to resolve site clearance and land issues so investors can begin construction.
Investors in rest areas along the eastern North-South Expressway must mobilise more workers and equipment, add construction teams and extend shifts to complete all facilities due in 2026 in line with contractual deadlines.
The ministry said investors could be held accountable under their contracts and relevant regulations if further delays affect expressway operations.
The road administration has also been told to accelerate the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities at 21 rest areas along the eastern North-South Expressway to ensure they are ready when the sites open.
