By Minh Hue
Fri, February 16, 2024 | 9:19 pm GMT+7
### Government Prioritizes Transport Infrastructure in 2024
Transport infrastructure is set to receive a significant boost in Vietnam, with the government allocating VND657 trillion (approximately $26.82 billion) for public investment in 2024. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a hybrid session of the Steering Committee for Key National Transport Projects on February 16, 2024. The Prime Minister emphasized that public investment plays a crucial role in the nation’s development, urging relevant agencies to expedite the construction of vital transport projects.
### Accelerating Key Projects
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of creating “new development space” through swift project implementation. He commended localities, sectors, investors, and contractors for their contributions but also pointed out ongoing delays in some projects. Issues such as prolonged investment procedures, slow site clearance, and poor coordination among stakeholders have hindered progress.
To combat these challenges, Chinh directed the committee to evaluate the current situation and propose actionable measures. He emphasized the need to ensure that construction progresses while maintaining quality, labor safety, and environmental standards. Efforts are also being directed toward resolving bottlenecks in Official Development Assistance (ODA) disbursement.
### Innovative Strategies in Construction
An innovative aspect that the Prime Minister mentioned is the investigation into using beach sand for construction. This initiative aims to not only make the most of available resources but also to encourage sustainability in building practices. He believes that once these transport projects become operational, they will significantly reduce logistics costs and enhance the competitive edge of Vietnam’s enterprises, thus boosting the development of various sectors, including industry, services, and urban areas.
### Major Ongoing Projects
Currently, Vietnam is actively implementing 34 major transportation projects and 86 smaller components across 46 provinces and cities. Among these are five railway routes, two airports, and several expressways and ring roads in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Noteworthy is the progress on the North-South Expressway’s eastern section, where nine out of 11 component projects for the 2017-2020 period have been completed. The My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway is also on track, adding to the total length of expressways in the country, which now stands at 1,892 kilometers. Last year alone, 475 kilometers were completed. During the meeting, it was reported that the 12 component projects planned for the 2021-2025 period are also being pursued vigorously by both investors and contractors.
### Upcoming Urban Transit Improvements
In the realm of urban transit, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are aiming to start operating their respective Nhon-Hanoi Station and Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro lines by July 2024. This development is expected to greatly enhance public transport systems and ease congestion in these bustling cities.
### Airport Infrastructure Developments
Furthermore, the construction of the Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province is progressing, with major packages such as the passenger terminal and flight control facilities underway. Similarly, work is being carried out on a third terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, aimed at increasing capacity and improving passenger experience.
### Focus on Rapid Progress
Following the 2024 Lunar New Year festival, Prime Minister Chinh has reiterated the urgency of transport infrastructure development. He issued directives to agencies to focus on swiftly resolving construction challenges and ensuring an adequate supply of building materials.
His commitment to inspecting critical transport projects across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau again reflects the government’s proactive stance in overcoming obstacles and maintaining momentum in these essential initiatives.
### Strategic Vision for the Future
The enhancement of infrastructure is one of three strategic areas the Vietnamese government is concentrating on to spur breakthroughs, alongside institutional reforms and workforce development. This multifaceted approach underscores the government’s commitment to creating a robust framework for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
These developments signal a transformative phase in Vietnam’s infrastructure landscape, potentially revolutionizing the way people and goods move across the nation.