Accelerating key projects to early completion to drive strong growth

Phong Chau awaits new bridge A hope counted by the hour

Since the collapse of the Phong Chau Bridge, thousands of residents travelling from Lam Thao to Tam Nong (Phu Tho Province) have had to rely on ferry crossings over the Red River. Everyone is hoping for a new bridge.

Le Thi Tuynh from Thanh Thuy Commune, Phu Tho Province shared: “We are looking forward to having the new bridge every day, every hour. Travelling by ferry is exhausting, especially in bad weather.”

Hoang Nhu Hung from Viet Tri ward, Phu Tho Province also said: “What I worry about most on my way to work every day is being late because I have to wait for the ferry, especially on rainy days. We truly hope the bridge will be completed soon to make travelling and working easier.”

At present, the Phong Chau Bridge project is in the final stage. According to Colonel Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Commander of Corps 12 under the Ministry of National Defence, the project is scheduled for completion in December 2025, but we are striving to put it into operation by early October this year, two months ahead of schedule. This reflects our responsibility and determination to meet the people’s expectations.”

Accelerating key projects: From roads to energy

As of the end of June, the transport sector had disbursed over 24 trillion in public investment. If the target of disbursing the full 94 trillion VND in 2025 is achieved, infrastructure will not only be significantly improved but will also open up great development opportunities for many regions.

This year, the Ministry of Construction aims to launch 20 new projects and complete 50 works. Notably, these include connecting the entire eastern North South Expressway, operating 3,000 kilometres of expressways, basically completing the Ho Chi Minh Road, putting Long Thanh International Airport into operation, and breaking the ground of the Lao Cai Ha Noi Hai Phong railway line.

At the construction site of the 500kV Lao Cai Vinh Yen power line, more than 3,000 engineers, technicians and workers are working day and night. Le Van Thu, site commander (Kinh Bac Company), shared: “Despite the harsh weather conditions, we are committed to staying on schedule, working continuously to meet the deadline.”

After four months of construction, the project has completed 452 out of 468 tower foundations, erected 192 pylons, and achieved over 80% of site clearance. One of the greatest current challenges is stringing the power lines across the Lo River, which requires special techniques and equipment.

In addition to professional construction teams, many soldiers and youth volunteers have joined efforts to transport equipment and assist in relocating residents’ property for early land handover.

One example is the Hoa Lien Tuy Loan expressway project, which has now completed over 75.2% of its workload. According to the Ho Chi Minh Road Project Management Board, if weather conditions are favourable, the entire main road surface will be finished by August 15 and open to traffic by August 19.

The Hoa Lien Tuy Loan site runs non-stop, lit up through the night, following the Prime Minister’s directive: “Three shifts, four crews if daytime isn’t enough, work through the night.”

During an inspection in early July, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Viet Hung emphasised: “There is not much time left for the Hoa Lien Tuy Loan expressway project. For sections where conditions are ready and no obstacles remain, maximum manpower and materials must be mobilised for immediate construction, with the goal of completing the main route by August 19. Any segment free of hindrances must be the focus of full effort to stay on schedule.”

The Mekong Delta A new growth engine driven by infrastructure

At a recent working session with leaders of localities in the Mekong Delta region, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the critical role of transport projects in regional development. Currently, the southern region is implementing 21 major projects, 13 of which are set for completion in 2025, with a combined length of 354 km.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh reported: The Can Tho Ca Mau expressway has secured 100% of its construction materials; the Bien Hoa Vung Tau project is 20% ahead of schedule; and Long Thanh Airport is expected to be basically completed by the end of 2025.

At the session, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for the mobilisation of the entire political system from legal bottleneck removal to on-site support for workers. Ministries and sectors were assigned to proactively guide material pricing, allocate resources, and ensure progress and quality of construction, aiming for a simultaneous inauguration on December 19, 2025.

Early completion of key projects will directly improve traffic flow, reduce logistics costs, and create favourable conditions for production, business, investment attraction, and development of the domestic market.

The sooner a project is completed, the sooner people and businesses benefit. Infrastructure-led growth not only drives short-term economic expansion but also builds a solid foundation for long-term development.