Ho Chi Minh City voters propose buying back National Highway 13 toll station

Voters in Ho Chi Minh City's Phu An and Chanh Hiep wards have urged the city's People's Council to purchase the Suoi Giua toll station on National Highway 13. They believe removing the toll will boost local economic and social development.

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The issue of buying back toll stations does not involve a large budget, but the mechanism is not yet in place.

During a meeting with People's Council delegates, including Chairman Vo Van Minh, residents raised concerns across various sectors, from economy and infrastructure to policies for retired neighborhood officials. The proposal to buy back the toll station was a prominent request.

Vo Van Minh acknowledged the issue, stating that both Binh Duong province and Ho Chi Minh City are interested in repurchasing toll stations. He explained that while the financial cost might not be substantial, the mechanism for doing so is still under development. "We have asked relevant agencies in Ho Chi Minh City to research and find solutions to buy back two toll stations on DT.743B and DT.743C," Minh said. "Then we will calculate how to ensure a harmonious balance between local development benefits and investor interests."

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We have asked relevant agencies in Ho Chi Minh City to research and find solutions to buy back two toll stations on DT.743B and DT.743C. Then we will calculate how to ensure a harmonious balance between local development benefits and investor interests.

The Suoi Giua toll station operates under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract signed between the former Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee and Becamex Group. The contract, for the upgrade and expansion of National Highway 13, is set to run until 2037. Minh indicated that if investors wish to continue collecting tolls until the contract expires or decide to cease operations, the state will then consider repurchasing the stations.

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When the mechanism issues are resolved (the state buys back the toll station), if the investor wants to continue collecting tolls until the contract expires or stops collecting, the state will buy back these toll stations.