The Vietnam Road Administration has submitted a progress report to the Ministry of Construction on the development of rest stops along the expressway.
Under the approved plan, the eastern North-South Expressway network will have 36 rest stops, including seven already completed and operating on routes such as Hanoi-Bac Giang, Cau Gie-Ninh Binh, Cao Bo-Mai Son, La Son-Hoa Lien, HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay and Ben Luc-Trung Luong.
The remaining 29 rest stops are planned as new developments, including three overseen by local authorities, two by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) and 24 by the Ministry of Construction.
Of the ministry's 24 rest stops, investment contracts have been signed for 21, while three are still undergoing investment procedures.
According to the administration, 18 of the 21 contracted rest stops have completed essential service facilities and entered operation, largely meeting motorists' needs.
Construction is continuing at the Cam Lo–La Son and Cam Lam–Vinh Hao rest stops after widespread heavy rain across central Vietnam in September and October disrupted work.
Their essential facilities are expected to open in November.
Meanwhile, the Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet rest stop at Km144 has completed topographical and geological surveys. Design work and land-related procedures are under way ahead of construction.
The administration plans to accelerate work on essential facilities at the Dien Chau-Bai Vot, Quang Ngai-Hoai Nhon, Cam Lo-La Son and Cam Lam-Vinh Hao rest stops, targeting completion before November 15.
It also aims to complete all 21 contracted rest stops by the end of 2026 and begin construction of the Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet facility in November.
Contractors will be urged to deploy additional workers, equipment and construction teams, extend working hours and accelerate progress. Investors failing to meet contractual deadlines will face penalties under their agreements.
The administration has also asked the Ministry of Construction to work with An Giang Province to finalise land allocation and leasing procedures for the Hau Giang-Ca Mau rest stop at Km100+200.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is another priority, with investors required to complete charging facilities at all 21 contracted rest stops alongside their development.
For existing expressway rest stops, the administration will coordinate with local authorities and operators to install or upgrade charging systems in line with national technical standards.
