The Ultimate Tunneling Expert: Mastering the Art of Mega Projects with a $10 Billion Contract Win

According to the Dai Ca Group’s website, the company met with several Chinese partners early this month to discuss strategic collaboration on human resources development and mastering TBM technology.

General Director Nguyen Quang Huy shared that Dai Ca Group currently holds 80% of the tunnel construction market share in Vietnam, leading the industry with over 55 kilometers of tunnel construction experience and the operation of 11 road tunnels totaling 32.5 kilometers in length. They are the only company in Vietnam capable of constructing special-grade tunnels (over 1,500 meters).

Citing decisions by the Prime Minister, Mr. Huy estimated that the demand for tunnel construction in Vietnam is expected to reach 22.2 billion USD by 2030, equivalent to 313 kilometers of tunnels.

In the coming years (2025-2026), Dai Ca Group will undertake several large-scale projects, including the Dong Dang – Tra Linh (phase 2) and Cao Bang – Bac Kan high-speed railways, the Quy Nhon – Pleiku highway, the Cat Lai tunnel, the Hong River waterfront road, the North-South high-speed railway, and the Hai Phong – Hanoi – Lao Cai route.

With a total of 245 kilometers of tunnels and a value of 10 billion USD in ongoing project studies, the Dai Ca Group is proposing a strategic collaboration with the China Construction Group (Bureau 2) to simultaneously develop NATM and TBM construction technologies for key projects. They also aim to form a joint venture for the construction of high-speed railways, urban railways, and highways, along with providing training for personnel.

Additionally, Bureau 2 will supply, sell, and lease construction equipment to Dai Ca Group and its partners, including NATM and TBM tunneling equipment, specialized rail-laying equipment, and super-long beam lifting cranes. They will also invest in the construction of component and material production plants to serve large-scale infrastructure and railway projects.

Earlier this month, in Lang Son Province, the Dai Ca Group organized a conference to transfer and apply their NATM and TBM tunneling technologies to their partners. The group expressed their willingness to invest in sending their engineers to undergo specialized training in China to master TBM technology before transferring it to domestic partners and considering exporting the technology. “The Group has invested in sending a selected team of engineers to China to study and work directly on TBM tunnel construction sites and has recently invested in TBM equipment. The internship program is designed for different groups and levels to ensure a systematic approach and practical application at the construction site,” said Dai Ca Group.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of Dai Ca Group, stated that the Group is expediting the completion of theoretical and practical curricula as part of the technology transfer and training program. According to the Group, after the training and technology transfer, partner companies will have the technical autonomy, equipment proficiency, and organizational capabilities to construct tunnels safely, efficiently, and with high quality, even in complex geological conditions. Additionally, they will be able to optimize investment efficiency by accurately estimating costs, controlling waste, and maximizing profits.

“Particularly, in phase 2 of the Dong Dang – Tra Linh project, three tunnel constructions will simultaneously serve as a ‘training ground’ for hands-on learning for the trainees. Meanwhile, in the southern region, trainees will be involved in the Dai Ngai 1 bridge project to learn and transfer the technology of constructing cable-stayed bridges,” added Dai Ca Group.