The Ministry of Construction has called for the Khánh Hòa–Buôn Ma Thuột expressway to maintain its target of substantial completion in 2026. A report carried by the Government's online newspaper puts phase-one construction at about 89.3% of contracted work, with several items behind schedule.
Different progress across three components
Component one in Khánh Hòa is 90% complete, component three in Đắk Lắk 99%, and component two, managed by the Railway Project Management Board, 79%. The report places them 3.2%, 1% and 2.24% behind their respective plans.
The ministry identifies shortages of asphalt-concrete stone and workers, adverse weather and insufficient mobilisation of equipment and personnel by some contractors. Reported disbursement of 27% is below the cited national average of 62.9%; that funding measure is separate from construction completion.
Material supplies broadly meet needs in components one and three. Component two still faces quality requirements and limited quarry reserves and capacity. Contractors have been instructed to seek suitable supplies nearby, add production capacity and organise additional shifts.
Construction and full operation have separate milestones
The remaining 9.5 kilometres of component one are to be accelerated alongside component two. Specified bridge-deck work has a November 30 deadline, with certain finishing items targeted before December 10.
At Phượng Hoàng tunnel, delayed lining and invert work in the right tube's western section is targeted for completion before December 10. Electrical, lighting and fire-safety works in the left tube also require progress. Remaining Đắk Lắk tasks include asphalt, traffic-safety systems and landslide treatment.
The ministry additionally seeks fourth-quarter procedures for the traffic-monitoring system and October approval of rest-area investment proposals.
The four-lane expressway totals 117.5 kilometres and VND21.935 trillion in investment. Around 20 kilometres opened in late May 2025. Substantial completion of the remaining route in 2026 is distinct from the plan for coordinated operation of the whole project in 2027.