Quang Tri Province is charting a bold path to economic growth with National Highway 15D -- a vital infrastructure project to transport coal from Laos to Vietnam. 

During a recent on-site inspection, secretary of the Quang Tri Party Committee Nguyen Long Hai underscored the highway’s strategic importance, calling it a "gateway to vast development opportunities" that will link central Vietnam with southern Laos and the Trans-Asian corridor.

By bridging key trade routes and fostering connectivity, this project promises to unlock untapped potential for economic cooperation and regional integration, positioning Quang Tri as a pivotal hub in Southeast Asia’s evolving logistics network.

US$378 million for highway upgrades

On December 25, secretary Hai and a working delegation conducted on-site inspections of two major projects in Quang Tri: National Highway 15D and a coal conveyor belt spanning over 6.1 kilometers along the route from Laos to Vietnam.

According to a plan, National Highway 15D stretches 92 kilometers, linking La Lay International Border Gate in Dakrong District with the deep-water port of My Thuy in Hai Lang District.

The highway is divided into five segments, three of which are already operational. However, these sections are two-lane roads with numerous damaged and degraded areas.

Segment 1 of National Highway 15D is proposed to undergo a VND950 billion ($39.6 million) upgrade, while Segment 5 is slated for a VND1.5 trillion ($62.5 million) investment, according to the Department for Roads of Vietnam.

Two more segments, covering a total of 42 kilometers, are designated for new construction. Of these, an 8-kilometer section connecting National Highway 1 to the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway has already secured VND990 billion ($41.3 million) in state budget funding.

The other section, stretching 34 kilometers, is proposed to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of VND5.662 trillion ($236.4 million), including VND2.55 trillion ($106.5 million) in state contributions.

Overall, the total capital required for upgrading and constructing National Highway 15D is projected at VND9.06 trillion ($378.1 million), sourced from public and private funding channels.

"However, a significant challenge is that the allocated state budget for the PPP section is only VND1 trillion [$41.8 million], and this section requires land-use conversion from natural forest areas," stated Le Duc Tien, vice-chairman of the Quang Tri People's Committee.

Thai Ngoc Chau, chairman of the Dakrong District People's Committee, highlighted the highway’s importance for coal transport infrastructure.

With the coal conveyor belt’s capacity set at 15 million tonnes annually, Chau estimated that transporting over 40,000 tonnes daily would necessitate at least 3,000 vehicles per day.

"No infrastructure can handle such a volume without National Highway 15D. I urge the province to prioritize investment in this route," Chau said.

Overcoming challenges to completion

Recognizing the importance of this highway for transporting millions of tonnes of goods from Laos, Thailand, and the Trans-Asian corridor to the East Vietnam Sea, secretary Hai described National Highway 15D as the most critical infrastructure project in Quang Tri.

"This is a gateway with immense potential and opportunity. The highway will create vast development prospects for Quang Tri’s western districts, linking them with Laos and the broader Trans-Asian network," Hai said.

The official urged the Quang Tri People's Committee and related departments to take decisive action in 2025 to upgrade and invest in segments of the highway.

"Start with the sections that can be completed quickly and put them into use immediately. The faster we exploit it, the more effective it will be. Challenges like the 34-kilometer stretch must be resolved to complete the route," he emphasized.

Le Cam An, head of the Customs Sub-Department at La Lay International Border Gate, reported significant growth in goods clearance and tax revenue since 2022.

In 2024, the border gate handled 2.2 million tonnes of goods and collected VND470 billion ($19.6 million) in taxes.

An projected that coal imports from Laos through La Lay would surge in 2025 and beyond.

"Quang Tri Province must lead in infrastructure development to welcome the influx of the 'black gold,' boosting budget revenue," he added.

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