The first milestone in this massive project has been achieved with the completion of this contract package.
EVN shared that Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Song Da Construction and Service Joint Stock Company, representing the consortium of contractors, attributed this success to the relentless efforts of the consortium over the past three months, under the direct guidance, attention, and support from the leadership of EVN and the Power Project Management Board 1.
Contract Package 1 of the project includes 51 tower positions, from VT1 to VT52, spanning the districts of Bao Yen and Bao Thang in Lao Cai province. These positions are located in hilly and narrow terrain, with many areas inaccessible by motor vehicles. The unpredictable weather in the northwestern mountains, including sudden heavy rains that cause slippery conditions, poses challenges to the transportation of materials and equipment.
Recognizing these difficulties, the consortium of contractors approached the construction of the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen project with determination and a “3rd line” spirit. From the very beginning, the contractors worked with the zeal to “overcome the sun and conquer the rain,” putting in extra hours during the day and night to make up for any lost time.
Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc emphasized, “Our principle is to never have any ‘dead time.’ We make the most of every hour and minute of dry weather to dig foundations, pour concrete, and ensure a seamless workflow. Anticipating the early arrival of the rainy season this year, we strategically stockpiled equipment and materials at the sites very early on. As a result, when the rains came and transportation became challenging, we already had sufficient resources in place to continue construction.”
The consortium proactively devised a multi-layered construction plan, organizing independent construction teams. Accommodations and meals were arranged near the construction sites to minimize travel time for the workers.
In addition to leading the foundation work, the consortium of contractors for Package 1 also took the initiative to erect the first towers on the 500kV line at positions VT42 and VT28, among others.
While delighted to have accomplished this significant foundation milestone, the consortium is well aware that much work lies ahead. “We are maintaining a high-pressure work pace without rest to tackle the upcoming tasks of tower erection and wire pulling. We are fully committed to joining forces with the investor to bring this project to a successful conclusion,” affirmed Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc.
According to Mr. Do Quang Khai, Deputy Director of Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1), Contract Package 1 is one of the ten hybrid contract packages of the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen project. This package officially commenced on March 10, 2025, and within less than three months, all foundation digging and concrete pouring work has been completed.
“We highly appreciate the initiative, flexibility, and determination demonstrated by the consortium of contractors for Package 1. From the outset, they worked tirelessly day and night, even during holidays. As a result, they maximized the ‘golden time’ in March and April, before the rainy season, to make significant progress,” remarked Mr. Do Quang Khai.
VT42 (Bao Yen district) is one of the first towers erected on the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen line, as early as mid-April. Photo: EVNEIC
The leadership of EVNPMB1 commended the consortium of contractors for maintaining a rapid and consistent construction pace across all 51 positions. The impressive performance of Contract Package 1 has created a positive ripple effect on the overall project’s momentum. “We consider this a best practice in construction that we can share with other contractors,” emphasized Mr. Do Quang Khai.
EVNPMB1 expects that with their demonstrated progress and accumulated experience, the consortium of contractors for Package 1 will not only successfully complete their assigned tasks but also extend support to other contract packages during the upcoming tower erection and wire pulling phase, thereby creating a collective boost for the entire project.
The 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen project involves 468 positions across four provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc. It starts at the 500kV Lao Cai substation and ends at the 500kV Vinh Yen substation, with a total investment of over VND 7,410 billion.
Once operational, the 500kV transmission line will enable the transmission of power from hydroelectric plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid and enhance electricity import capabilities. It will also establish a strong interconnection between different regions within the power system, improve the safe and stable operation of the national power system, reduce transmission losses, and increase EVN’s electricity production and business efficiency.
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The National Power Transmission Company (EVNNPT) has instructed construction contractors to work continuously “3 shifts, 4 teams, 24/7”, even during holidays, until the completion of projects to ensure progress as directed by the Prime Minister.
