Son Hai Group, one of the three contractors working on the Van Phong- Nha Trang section of the North-South highway’s eastern link has asked the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to allow 68.5 km of the 83.35 km stretch to be opened to traffic by January 10.

"We are close to an agreement on temporarily opening a part of the Van Phong-Nha Trang section during the upcoming Lunar New Year," said a Son Hai Group representative.

The Van Phong-Nha Trang project is one of 12 components of the development of the North-South highway’s eastern segment.

Located in the south central province of Khanh Hoa, it has two packages that began construction in 2023.

Photo: baodautu.vn

According to Tran Dinh Tuyen, deputy director of Project Management Unit 7- the project's developer, the original deadline was November 30, 2025.

However, following a commitment made to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, contractors have intensified their efforts by deploying additional machinery, working three shifts daily, with a new completion target of April 30, around seven months ahead of schedule.

"If the contractors manage to open 68.5km by January 10, they will further shatter deadlines, effectively shortening the construction time by almost a year," said a representative from the developer.

"This is a matter of pride for Vietnam's top contractors. We are mobilising more equipment and workers, reorganising workflows, and fully committing to finishing all remaining tasks within the next 10 days. We aim to demonstrate that with determination and support from management authorities, Vietnamese contractors can achieve this remarkable feat," according to a Son Hai spokesperson.

The MoT has hailed this accelerated progress as an inspiring milestone for other contractors engaged in a high-intensity campaign to complete the 3,000 km of national highways launched by the PM last August.

According to the MoT, plans for 2025 include the completion of 1,188 km of expressways spanning 28 projects. Of these, 16 are managed by the MoT, while 12 are being overseen by local authorities.

Currently, as the campaign passes its first quarter, around 14 projects covering 771 km are on track for completion this year.

For instance, on the Quang Ngai-Hoai Nhon section in central Vietnam, renowned for its challenging geology, the contractor consortium led by Deo Ca Group has pledged to complete package XL1 involving a 30 km section by June 30 – six months ahead of schedule – and package XL2 involving more than 27 km by August 30, four months ahead of schedule.

Despite geological challenges, package XL3, involving a 31 km section and a 3,200-metre tunnel, is also on track for completion by the end of this year.

This progress extends beyond the North-South highway’s component items to other major expressway initiatives led by the MoT and local governments.

At the Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot expressway, Son Hai Group is concentrating its resources on advancing work by three to six months. The company has also committed to completing 52km of the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway this year, 12 months ahead of schedule, while maintaining top-tier construction quality.

"We’ve witnessed the PM’s hands-on approach, visiting sites during weekends and holidays. His commitment has inspired contractors and workers to achieve their assigned goals," said Le Viet Hai, chairman of Son Hai Group.

Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh emphasised the importance of maintaining balance.

"While striving to meet deadlines, quality must remain uncompromised. Inspection and supervision must be thorough. It is crucial that no province delays the overarching goal of completing the 3,000 km of expressways before the end of 2025. The highway network from north to south must flow seamlessly," said the MoT leader.