### Vietnam’s Road Infrastructure Plan: Paving the Way to 2050
Vietnam is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its road infrastructure, as outlined in the Ministry of Construction’s road infrastructure plan for 2021-2030, with a visionary perspective stretching to 2050. This extensive blueprint encompasses 43 expressway routes, totaling approximately 8,920 kilometers, establishing a framework designed to enhance connectivity, boost logistics, and facilitate long-distance travel throughout the country.
### The Backbone of Connectivity: North-South Expressways
At the heart of this expansive network lie two major north-south corridors: the Eastern North-South Expressway and the Western North-South Expressway. The Eastern route spans about 2,065 kilometers, while the Western corridor stretches roughly 1,205 kilometers. Together, these expressways serve as the backbone of Vietnam’s transportation system, aimed at improving regional connectivity and effectively supporting the growing demands of freight and passenger travel. This dual approach not only streamlines transportation but also opens opportunities for economic expansion across the country.
### Urban Upgrades: Ring Roads for Major Cities
Urban development is also a significant focus within this ambitious plan. By 2050, Hanoi is slated to feature three ring roads encompassing a total of around 417 kilometers. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City will benefit from two ring roads spanning approximately 299 kilometers. These developments are critical for alleviating congestion, enhancing traffic flow, and paving the way for future urban growth. As urbanization accelerates, these infrastructure improvements will support sustainable city living and better connectivity for residents.
### Regional Expressway Developments
The road infrastructure plan is designed with regional balance in mind. The northern part of the country will see 14 expressway routes, collectively measuring around 2,242 kilometers. Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands are planned to have 11 expressways totaling about 1,353 kilometers, while the southern region is set to feature another 11 routes covering approximately 1,342 kilometers. This holistic approach ensures that every region has the necessary infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance mobility.
### National Highways: An Expanding Network
In addition to expressways, the future of Vietnam’s national highway system is equally bright. By 2050, the country aims to establish 172 national highways with a total length of about 28,614 kilometers. This includes vital arteries like National Highway 1 and the Ho Chi Minh Road, which are crucial for linking major urban centers and facilitating trade across borders. Such an extensive national highway network will be instrumental in connecting rural areas with urban powerhouses, thereby promoting inclusive development.
### Investment and Land Requirements
Executing this monumental infrastructure plan is no small feat. The Ministry of Construction estimates that developing the road network will require over 200,000 hectares of land. Moreover, the total investment needed exceeds VND3.2 quadrillion (approximately US$123.27 billion). Funding for this ambitious project is expected to come from a diversified mix of sources, including state budget allocations, government bonds, official development assistance loans, and non-state capital. This multi-faceted financing strategy is essential to ensure that the ambitious goals of the infrastructure plan become a reality.
### Recent Surge in Highway Construction
The momentum behind Vietnam’s highway construction has surged in recent years, reflecting a commitment to rapid infrastructural growth. By the end of 2025, plans indicate that the country will have constructed 3,803 kilometers of expressways, surpassing the original target of 3,000 kilometers. This represents a dramatic increase from the mere 89 kilometers completed between 2001 and 2010, and the 1,163 kilometers built during the subsequent decade from 2011 to 2020.
### Future Prospects: Aiming for Expansion
In just the past five years, nearly 2,000 kilometers of expressways have been brought to completion—an accomplishment nearly double the total added in the previous decade. Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious targets to add another 2,000 kilometers by 2030, which would elevate Vietnam’s expressway network to around 5,000 kilometers within the next five years. This dynamic growth trajectory not only underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development but also reflects its broader vision for economic progress and regional integration.