Hanoi (VNA) – This year has been identified as the time for Vietnam to complete the goals of the 13th National Party Congress and the socio-economic development plan for 2021-2025, Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh affirmed that the transport sector is determined to fulfill its assigned tasks.
Accelerating key transport projects
Following the direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, and responding to the 500-day emulation drive to complete 3,000 km of highways, the Ministry of Transport defined investment for construction, and disbursement of public investment capital are among the most important political tasks.
In 2024, the ministry commenced ten projects, inaugurated eight projects, and addressed the complex issues of site clearance and material sources, especially in the southern region.
Regarding road transport projects, the ministry submitted to the National Assembly (NA) an investment proposal for Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh expressway project, kicked off eight projects and completed seven others to bring the total length of expressways nationwide to 2,021 km.
It reviewed and developed detailed plans, and directed investors and contractors to achieve the goal of 3,000 km of expressways by the end of 2025. The ministry selected investors for eight rest stops, and called for bidders for the remaining 13 rest stops.
Regarding aviation projects, the ministry submitted to the NA the adjused investment proposal for Long Thanh International Airport. Many items at the airport project, especially component projects 2 and 3 have been completed ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the progress of work at the T3 passenger terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport is on target.
The investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway project has been submitted to the NA for approval. The preparation for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong project is underway so that the project can be started by the end of 2025, and the project to upgrade the railway in the Khe Net area has been started. The progress of six out of seven railway projects for the 2021-2025 period have met requirements, and the elevated section of the Nhon-Hanoi metro line in Hanoi and the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line in Ho Chi Minh City started operation in August and December, respectively.
To diversify transport modes, reduce pressure on road transport, create a healthy environment, and enhance import-export activities, the minitry has directed agencies to focus on improving service quality in railways, aviation, maritime, and inland waterways.
In 2025, the ministry plans to commence a series of projects such as upgrading and expanding the Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong-My Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh, Cam Lo-La Son, La Son-Tuy Loan, Cho Moi-Bac Kan, and My An-Cao Lanh expressways.
The ministry will prepare a feasibility study for the North-South high-speed railway project, and detailed planning schemes for the Hanoi-Dong Dang, and Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai routes. It will also study important national railway routes such as the Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho, Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Long Thanh-Thu Thiem, and commence the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project by the end of 2025.
Toward completion of North-South expressway
In 2025, the ministry strives to start construction on 19 projects and complete 50 others, including the eastern North-South expressway. The ministry and localities strive to put 3,000 km of expressways into operation, and complete the Ho Chi Minh Road and the Long Thanh International Airport projects.
According to the plan, approximately 1,188 km of expressways will be completed by the end of 2025 under 28 projects. With the decisive direction of the leadership of the ministry, the efforts of project management units, investors, and contractors, it is hoped that the work in all of the provinces where the projects are implemented will be completed before the 14th National Party Congress, Minh said.
With a projected public investment capital of up to 87 trillion VND, Minh promised to accelerate public investment disbursement, making it one of the top criteria for assessing the level of task completion in 2025 for leaders of agencies and units under the ministry.
“The entire sector will enhance solidarity, focus on striving with the highest determination to effectively implement the assigned tasks and plans in 2025, contributing to the successful realization of the goals,” the Minister asserted./.
