The 200km highway, which would cost an estimated US$1.52 billion, would stretch from Thong Nhat Commune, Dong Nai to the Lien Khuong–Prenn highway in Lam Dong.— Photo baomoi

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — A highway will connect the Mekong Delta province of Dong Nai to the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong if the Ministry of Transport approves a recent proposal.

The 200km highway, which would cost an estimated US$1.52 billion, would stretch from Thong Nhat Commune, Dong Nai to the Lien Khuong–Prenn highway in Lam Dong.

"The project will expand the existing highway network between HCM City, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai and Vung Tau to the Central Highlands. The highway will play an important role in connecting southern provinces," said Nguyen Xuan Lam, vice director general of the PMU-I.

First, a two-lane highway from Dau Giay to Bao Loc, Lam Dong would be built, with priority given to important junctions. Then two more lanes would be added to address increased traffic and the route between Bao Loc and Lien Khuong would be completed.

PMU-I recommended the Build – Operate – Transfer (BOT) model be used during the first phase in order to encourage investors from the private sector to help finance the project. The payback period for the BOT model is an estimated 17-21 years.

If approved, the project will start next year and be complete in 2018. — VNS