A $300 Million Project Gets Fast-Tracked: The Prime Minister’s Directive Slashes Construction Timeline from 2 Years to Just 6 Months

On the morning of August 9th, the Prime Minister visited the construction site in Phu Tho province to inspect the progress and motivate the workers involved in the 500 kV Lao Cai-Vinh Yen power line project. He set a deadline of August 19th for the completion of this important national project.

The 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen power line project is a crucial national undertaking, with a total investment of over VND 7,410 billion. The project, spanning a length of approximately 229.5 km across 31 communes in the provinces of Lao Cai and Phu Tho, comprises 468 electrical tower foundations. It has impacted 2,189 households, of which 213 required resettlement.

As of now, land clearance has been completed for all 468 tower foundations, and 196 out of 242 wire spans have been handed over, amounting to 81% of the total. The construction units have finished erecting towers at all 468 foundation sites and have assembled steel towers at 306 locations. They are currently transporting and assembling the remaining 162 towers while simultaneously stringing and pulling wires across 22 wire spans.

The assembly of the VT404 tower, standing at a height of 98 meters and weighing 300 tons, has been completed. Wire pulling operations are now underway…

Inspecting the project at the VT369 tower foundation site in Dan Chu commune – the tallest tower in the project, standing at a height of 130 meters and weighing 360 tons – the Prime Minister commended the proactive spirit and unwavering determination of the local authorities and all those involved in the project. He requested that all relevant parties maintain their commitment, exert greater efforts, and take more decisive actions to expedite the project’s progress.

The Prime Minister also suggested that the construction units draw on their valuable experience from the 500 kV Quang Trach-Pho Noi power line project to accelerate the completion of this project.

After inspecting the construction site, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting with leaders of ministries, sectors, EVN – the investor, contractors, and authorities of Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces in Dan Chu commune to address any difficulties and obstacles, with the resolve to finish the project as soon as possible.

Emphasizing the project’s significance, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Vietnam Electricity Group, relevant ministries and central agencies, the Party committees and authorities of Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces, as well as the participation of the military, public security, youth, and women’s unions. He also acknowledged the determination and efforts of EVN – the investor – and the contractors in executing the project.

Initially, the project was planned to be completed within two years. However, at the groundbreaking ceremony in March 2025, the Prime Minister instructed that the timeline be shortened to six months, and this is now about to become a reality.

Consequently, the Prime Minister mandated the definite completion of the project by August 19, 2025, to enhance the safe and stable operation of the National Power System, alleviate the capacity of hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces, and promote socio-economic development, urbanization, and the growth of industries and services.

Therefore, all relevant parties must demonstrate even greater determination, exert more considerable efforts, take more decisive actions, and maintain an intense focus on this project to ensure its progress, quality, technical standards, aesthetic appeal, labor safety, and environmental protection. It is imperative to safeguard the material and spiritual lives and legitimate rights and interests of the affected people, ensuring that their new residences are better than their previous ones.

The Prime Minister clearly defined the forward command headquarters, with the Chairman of the Members’ Council of EVN as the head, the General Director of EVN as the standing deputy head, and the Secretaries of the Provincial Party Committees of Lao Cai and Phu Tho, the Deputy Minister of National Defense, the Deputy Minister of Public Security, the First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, the leadership of Military Zone 2, and other relevant agencies as members. This organization will coordinate closely, synchronously, smoothly, and effectively to drive the project to completion.