Today (April 26, 2025) marks the first anniversary of the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway officially entering operation, efficiently serving millions of vehicles and significantly contributing to traffic connectivity and economic development in the South Central region of Vietnam.
Thousands of vehicles travel safely and smoothly each day
Part of the Eastern North-South Expressway project for the 2017–2020 period, the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao section was implemented under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model with a total investment of VND 8,925 billion. The expressway spans 78.5 km across the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. It includes the 2.25-km long Nui Vung Tunnel, which has 3 lanes and a width of 14 meters. Currently, only the right tube is in use, accommodating two-way traffic.
According to the operation management unit, from April 26, 2024, to date, the expressway has served over 3.1 million vehicles, averaging nearly 8,500 vehicles per day. During holidays and peak seasons, traffic volume surged to two to three times the usual rate. The highest recorded day during the 2025 Lunar New Year saw over 25,000 vehicles.
Mr. Dao Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway Operations Enterprise, shared that vehicle incidents, mainly due to fuel depletion, breakdowns, or fires, were all promptly detected and resolved thanks to a modern surveillance system and 24/7 standby operational teams, ensuring no casualties and maintaining safe and seamless traffic flow.
High traffic during lunar new year 2025 captured by surveillance cameras
There are four toll stations along the route: Du Long Interchange (Km70+194), two stations at Phan Rang Interchange (Km92+815), and one on the main route (Km133+770). All stations are equipped with non-stop electronic toll collection (ETC), with average vehicle processing time around 3 seconds.
Currently, only one tunnel tube at Nui Vung is in operation, limiting throughput capacity. During peak times, congestion often occurs at the tunnel entrances. The investor has proposed the urgent completion and operation of both tubes to optimize efficiency and traffic safety.
Currently, Nui Vung tunnel operates one tube for two-way traffic
After one year of operation, the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway has not only fulfilled its connectivity mission but has also demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of volume and safety.
Professional operations and modern ITS system
The operations enterprise performs routine maintenance including road surface cleaning, slope and drainage system upkeep, traffic safety corridor management, and maintenance of surveillance cameras, traffic monitoring and incident detection equipment, lighting systems, ITS (Intelligent Transportation System), and toll collection devices.
Nui Vung tunnel operation control center
The expressway passes through region with a hot and dry semi-arid climate, receiving the lowest rainfall in the country and high solar intensity, increasing the risk of wildfires during the dry season.
“Our operation team prioritizes fire prevention by enhancing vigilance and deploying proactive measures such as controlled burns to create safety buffers around infrastructure, particularly near tunnel entrances, to prevent wildfires from threatening the structure and road users”, said Mr. Thuy.
In addition, the operation team has turned climate challenges into advantages by harnessing solar and wind energy. ITS and camera systems along the route are powered by solar energy, reducing power consumption, lowering costs, and protecting the environment.
Green ITS systems powered by solar and wind energy
At the Nui Vung Tunnel, the operation center uses an integrated system of ITS, SCADA, and fire protection systems throughout the tunnel to collect information and respond quickly to ensure safety and traffic continuity. The ITS system interconnects with electromechanical components (jet fans, lighting, sensors) to handle incidents effectively.
VMS signboard at the entrance of Nui Vung tunnel
The expressway features AI-powered smart surveillance cameras, radar systems, infrared sensors, loudspeakers, and digital boards that monitor traffic in real time. AI-integrated cameras can detect incidents such as illegal stops, wrong-way driving, or fallen objects and immediately report to the control center for quick resolution, ensuring continuous and safe traffic flow.
A model PPP project in fund mobilization and saving public budget
Launched in September 2021, the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao section is one of three Phase 1 North-South Expressway projects implemented under the PPP model.
Drawing from its experience resolving financial and legal obstacles in previous projects, Deo Ca Group and the Ministry of Transport engaged in extensive negotiations to address regulatory inconsistencies under the relatively new PPP Law.
The expressway crosses fields of wind and solar power
At the project’s inception, policy risks and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) investor skepticism posed challenges. However, leveraging its successful project track record and innovative funding strategy, the investor consortium introduced the PPP+ model, combining three components: state capital (P1+), equity (P2+), and flexible capital sources such as corporate bonds and joint ventures (P3+). This model reduced reliance on commercial banks, increased financial autonomy, and became a reference for future projects.
Although it was the last of the three North-South PPP projects to sign a BOT contract, Cam Lam – Vinh Hao was the first to secure financing and begin construction.
This model has since laid the foundation for the PPP++ framework used in other major projects led by Deo Ca Group, such as Dong Dang – Tra Linh and Huu Nghi – Chi Lang.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh cuts ribbon at Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway inauguration and visits operations center
Additionally, the investor proposed a nearly 10% cost reduction - equivalent to VND 891 billion - during the competitive bidding phase by optimizing project management under a centralized model to streamline indirect operations. The project also utilized depreciated equipment from previous Deo Ca projects and maximized use of excavated rock from tunnel and roadbed works for construction materials.
The construction process involved overcoming many challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic and funding difficulties to geotechnical anomalies and rising material prices.
Following the Prime Minister’s directive to “endure the sun, conquer the rain,” “work swiftly, sleep briefly,” and “discuss action, not retreat,” the investor consortium implemented comprehensive solutions to accelerate progress and complete the project on schedule.
Connecting infrastructure, serving society
Beyond being a critical infrastructure project, the expressway has also created stable jobs for local residents, enabling long-term involvement in operations post-construction.
From the outset, the project prioritized recruiting local workers for construction. Upon completion, the project company trained and retained these workers for operations roles, ensuring stable employment. Currently, the operations workforce numbers around 150, with most employees hailing from Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces.
Most operations staff are local workers
Recognizing the lack of official rest stops, the investor voluntarily built a temporary rest area free of charge for the public. In just 20 days, the stop was completed with clean restrooms, air conditioning, and deep well water supply - demonstrating the investor’s commitment to community service and cooperation with local authorities to ensure convenience and safety for travelers.
Temporary rest area at Km113 built at the investor’s expense
The Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway connects Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, cutting travel time in half compared to National Route 1. It enhances the North-South Expressway network and provides a powerful boost to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
After one year of operation, the Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway stands not only as a key transport infrastructure project but also as a testament to the effectiveness of the public-private partnership model. It affirms Deo Ca Group’s pioneering role in transforming investment and operational thinking in infrastructure, setting a strong foundation to replicate the PPP+ model in strategic projects nationwide.
News: Lam Tra - Photo: To Hung
