Vietnam’s Ministry Seeks Gov’t Nod for WB-funded Highway Upgrade Project
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport (MoT) has sought approval from the government for a VND9.3-trillion ($387.5 million) project, funded by the World Bank (WB), to upgrade National Highways 62, 53, and 91B in the Mekong Delta region.
The project aims to upgrade a 69-km section of National Highway 62 via Long An province, an 11-kilometer section of National Highway 53 linking Vinh Long and Tra Vinh provinces, and a 141-km section of National Highway 91B in Can Tho City and Hau Giang, Soc Trang, and Bac Lieu provinces.
It is designed to elevate the national highways to level 3 plain road standards, featuring a width of 11 meters and two mixed-traffic lanes for automobiles and rudimentary vehicles.
It is scheduled to be carried out in 2024-2027.
The Mekong Delta region contributes 50% of paddy production, 95% of rice exports, nearly 65% of aquaculture, 60% of exported fish, and almost 70% of the country’s fruits. However, it has not been able to promote its full potential and advantages due to limited roads, waterways, and sea transportation.