Accordingly, the total length is approximately 105 km, starting at Km85+262 (connecting with the Hoa Binh – Moc Chau expressway), and ending at the intersection with National Highway 4G (Son La City).

The preliminary total investment is estimated at approximately VND 22,262 billion, including construction of the route (VND 17,221 billion); land clearance and resettlement support (VND 2,137 billion); and contingency costs (approximately VND 2,904 billion). The Ministry of Construction proposes including the project in the medium-term public investment portfolio for the period 2026–2030, using central government budget funds through public investment.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Construction has sent a document to the Prime Minister, proposing that the People's Committee of Son La province be assigned as the managing agency to prepare the pre-feasibility study report for the Moc Chau – Son La City expressway project. The project, spanning 105 km and with an estimated total investment of over 22,000 billion VND, promises to open up the "Northwest gateway," creating a breakthrough in regional infrastructure and economy.

According to a representative from the Ministry of Construction, the CT.03 expressway (Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien) is the backbone connecting the Northwest region with the capital, while also expanding the economic cooperation corridor with Laos.

 

The starting point of the Hanoi - Hoa Binh expressway (Yen Binh commune, Thach That district, Hanoi) - Photo: Giang Huy

Of the total length of approximately 450 km, many sections have been invested in or are under construction, but the 105 km Moc Chau – Son La City section remains a "gap" with no specific project in place.

Investing in the Moc Chau – Son La City route will not only complete the Northwest expressway but also shorten travel time, significantly reduce transportation costs, and enhance the effectiveness of existing and ongoing routes such as the Ring Road 3 – Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh – Moc Chau.

The implementation of this expressway is consistent with both the Vietnam Road Network Planning for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Planning for the Northern Midlands and Mountains region, both approved by the Prime Minister. Furthermore, this is a Group A project using public investment capital, requiring the preparation of a pre-feasibility study report in accordance with the Law on Public Investment.

The Ministry of Construction has proposed assigning the Son La Provincial People's Committee as the project's managing agency, building on the successful experience gained from the Hoa Binh – Moc Chau section of the expressway. Decentralizing authority to the local government is also in line with the spirit of the 13th National Congress Resolution, increasing proactiveness and shortening investment preparation time.

In the next phase, the People's Committee of Son La province will preside over a detailed survey to determine the exact total investment, select the investment form, and clarify the capital structure. The Ministry of Construction is committed to cooperating and creating favorable conditions for the project to be implemented quickly, efficiently, and on schedule.

The Moc Chau – Son La City expressway is expected to become a strategic boost for the Northwest region, promoting socio-economic development, attracting investment, developing tourism, commercial agriculture, and gradually completing the vital transportation network connecting the northern mountainous localities with the economic center of the capital and the delta region.