Ho Chi Minh City's National Highway 13 Expansion to Start Q4 2026 Amid Land Clearance Delays

The expansion and upgrade of National Highway 13 in Ho Chi Minh City, a vital artery connecting the city to surrounding areas, is slated for commencement in the fourth quarter of 2026. The project aims to improve traffic flow and infrastructure along the route from Binh Trieu Bridge to Vinh Binh Bridge.

However, progress on land acquisition, a critical precursor to construction, remains slow. As of May 28, only 55 out of 1,041 affected households have successfully handed over their land for the project. While compensation has been disbursed to 655 cases, representing 62.9% of the total, the physical handover of land is lagging. The Ho Chi Minh City Project Management Board for Transportation Works anticipates completing land clearance by the third quarter of 2026.

The project is structured into two main components: the first focuses on compensation, support, and resettlement, while the second involves the actual construction. The feasibility study for the construction component is currently under appraisal. The selection of investors is projected for the third quarter of 2026, aligning with the planned construction start.

To expedite the process, the municipal People's Committee has issued a detailed 20-step plan for land clearance. This plan emphasizes close coordination among various departments, district authorities, and compensation boards. Ensuring transparency, legality, and the protection of legitimate rights for affected landowners is a key priority. Local authorities are actively engaging with residents to encourage land handover, though some cases involve disputes over compensation and land valuation, and concerns about the adequacy of resettlement options.