Vinh-Thanh Thuy Expressway in Vietnam Accelerates Land Acquisition for Construction

The Vinh-Thanh Thuy Expressway project in Vietnam's central Nghe An province is facing challenges in land acquisition, a critical step for advancing construction. Authorities are intensifying efforts to secure the necessary land, aiming to commence construction on all six packages by the end of September 2026. This strategic transportation link is vital for the region's socioeconomic development. The project, with a total investment exceeding VND 23.94 trillion (approximately USD 1 billion), is divided into 10 component projects and is scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2029. It is expected to impact the residential and production land of 2,688 households, with 313 households requiring relocation from their homes and gardens. Additionally, 274 graves and numerous technical infrastructure facilities need to be moved. According to the Nghe An Department of Transport Construction Project Management, land acquisition for agricultural land (24.59 km) and forestry land (9.28 km) has been largely completed. Resettlement for 197 out of 199 affected households has been approved. In Hung Nguyen commune, preparations for the Dai Hue overpass are underway, with local authorities reporting the completion of land acquisition for 9 households' residential land and 228 households' agricultural and forestry land by the end of June, facilitating prompt handover. However, Kim Bang commune is experiencing delays in land acquisition, having disbursed only VND 116 billion out of the allocated VND 425 billion for this purpose. The Vice Chairman of the commune cited the large land area, unauthorized constructions by residents, land disputes, and a shortage of personnel due to the simultaneous execution of multiple key projects as contributing factors. The expansion of the waste disposal site by an additional 208.1 hectares has further complicated the process. The Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee acknowledged that the delays in Kim Bang are due to a combination of subjective and objective reasons, including suboptimal operational methods. He has directed the mobilization of the entire political system, reduction of unnecessary meetings, and a full focus on land acquisition. Party committee members are tasked with directly overseeing specific sections to expedite problem-solving. Discussions regarding defense land (Trung Doan 764 firing range) have also taken place, with military officials inspecting affected areas and potential alternative sites. They emphasized the need for thorough surveys to ensure new locations meet military technical standards and for the swift completion of legal procedures. Officials stressed that the expressway construction is a significant political task, requiring all departments to act responsibly, collaborate closely with local authorities, and promptly resolve any issues to ensure the project's timely completion.