Vietnam targets over 6,500 km of expressways by 2030: minister

Vietnam aims to complete 6,539 kilometers of expressways by 2030, nearly doubling the current network of about 3,345 km already in operation, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh said.

Speaking at the 16th National Assembly’s first session on Monday, the minister framed infrastructure, particularly transport, as a central pillar of the country’s push for double-digit economic growth in the coming years, in line with Party conclusions.

Under Vietnam’s master plan by 2050, the expressway network will expand to 8,993 km across 41 routes by 2050, with the bulk slated for completion this decade. Between 2026 and 2030 alone, authorities plan to add 1,721 km, including upgrades to existing roads, at an estimated cost of VND802.9 trillion ($30.5 billion).

Progress on broader transport infrastructure has also accelerated. The national highway system now exceeds 24,000 km, with more than 17,500 km to be managed by local authorities from 2025.

Coastal road development has reached roughly 60% completion, with 1,701 km already in use and a further 340 km under construction. The remaining 772 km is expected to be built in the next phase to strengthen links between coastal provinces.

Regarding railways, the minister said priority will be given to mainline and urban rail development. Under the master plan, the national railway network will include 25 lines totaling 6,658 km.

Currently, only seven lines with 2,510 km are in operation, mostly outdated 1-meter gauge tracks. Vietnam will focus on key corridors such as Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, alongside regional connections, Minister Minh added.

Urban rail development remains at an early stage as just three lines totaling about 41 km have been completed in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, he noted, adding authorities plan to build 30 lines spanning more than 2,200 km, requiring an estimated VND743.9 trillion ($28.26 billion) in investment.

In aviation, Minh stated that Vietnam is targeting 30 airports by 2030, half of them international, up from 22 currently in operation. By 2050, the network is projected to expand to 34 airports with a combined capacity of 533 million passengers annually, more than triple current levels.

Future investment in the sector will lean heavily on public-private partnerships and private capital, while state funding will be directed primarily toward upgrades and modernization, he noted.

According to the minister, maritime infrastructure is also set for expansion. Vietnam currently operates 309 seaport terminals with a combined capacity of nearly 955 million tons per year. However, limited utilization of its extensive coastline underscores the need for further investment to unlock growth in the sector.