Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for a nationwide emulation to build 3,000 kilometers of highways by December 31, 2025.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP

The Head of Government shared the view during the 12th meeting of the State Steering Committee on Key National Transport Projects on June 14, where he tasked the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs with initiating a 500-day emulation to complete 3,000 kilometers of highways.

From 2000 to 2021, Vietnam invested in and commissioned 1,163 kilometers of highways. The goal is to increase this to 3,000 kilometers by 2025 and 5,000 kilometers by 2030. This means that from 2021 to 2030, the country will need to build nearly four times as many kilometers of highways as it has in the past 20 years.

Currently, another 674 kilometers of highways have been completed, spanning 15 provinces and cities, bringing the total to 2,001 kilometers. This month, a 19-kilometer section from Dien Chau to Bai Vot will be opened.

According to the prime minister, the completion of these highway projects will boost economic and social development, create new development opportunities, increase land value, and reduce logistics costs.

“Highways enhance the economy's competitiveness, create jobs for citizens and businesses, and improve living standards,” said Chinh.

Praising the efforts of ministries, sectors, local authorities, and workers, Chinh emphasized that "wherever there are projects, local people and regions will benefit." Therefore, the entire political system must work together to accelerate progress and complete land clearance for key projects, he noted.

The Mai Son - National Highway No.45 expressway. Photo: Hoang Lam

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and EVN should provide direction and handle issues related to relocating technical works intersecting with highways, added Chinh.

The Ministry of Transport, the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), and localities have been tasked with speeding up the construction of projects, especially those such as Cantho - Hau Giang, Hau Giang - Ca Mau, Cao Lanh - Lo Te, Hoa Lien - Tuy Loan, Bien Hoa - Vung Tau, Ben Luc - Long Thanh, and Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang.

In addition to ensuring progress, the government requires increased supervision to improve project quality and prevent corruption, waste, and contract manipulation. Projects must meet quality, technical, aesthetic, and overall project space standards upon completion.

The Prime Minister requested that Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces prioritize their entire current construction material reserves (totaling about 57.16 million cubic meters) for key projects like Chau Doc - Cantho - Soc Trang through Cantho, Hau Giang, and the Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

He also instructed Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to convene a conference in Ben Tre within the next five days to resolve the material shortages for projects in the Mekong Delta and the construction of Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.