First project in the North-South highway kicks-off construction

This high-speed route will run through the provinces of Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue with a length of nearly 100km and a total investment of VND7.6 trillion ($333.43 million) and is expected to be completed in 2021.

The North-South Highway carries special significance in the country's development plans

After issuing the launching order, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested the Ministry of Transport, the Ho Chi Minh Road Project Management Board, and contractors to focus on their responsibilities, keep to the schedule, and ensure the quality of work.

The Ministry of Transport is assigned to continue completing procedures to deploy the construction of the remaining component projects of the North-South Highway, including two public investment projects (Cao Bo-Mai Son section and My Thuan 2 Bridge) and eight build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects.

According to the premier, Vietnam is home to four crucial road systems, including National Highway 1 which is being upgraded; Ho Chi Minh Highway; North-South Highway, and the coastal road.

“These four road systems, and the high-speed railway that will be submitted to the central government and the National Assembly for consideration, will help shape up a strong transport infrastructure network for Vietnam. They are vital for national development,” said the PM.

Currently, Vietnam has nearly 1,000km of highways and it is expected that by the end of 2021, an additional 900km will be built. The government also aims to build an additional 2,000km of expressways in 2021-2025 period.

The construction of the North-South Highway is of national significance, and will be given priority for investment in 2017-2020.

In addition to three public investment projects, eight BOT projects are in the process of international bidding and selection of investor dossiers.

Cam Lo-La Son Highway's contractor is a joint venture of 703 Investment and Construction JSC, Thanh An Corporation, and a consortium consisting of Truong Son Construction Corporation, 68 Service and Trade Construction JSC , and 168 Viet Nam Import Export and Investment Construction JSC.