On January 14, a delegation from the Ministry of Construction, led by Minister Tran Hong Minh, conducted a field inspection of the construction progress at two expressway projects: the Huu Nghi border gate – Chi Lang (Lang Son) and the Dong Dang (Lang Son) – Tra Linh (Cao Bang) expressways.
Concentrating on resources for Pre-Tet construction
Following the milestone of achieving technical opening on December 19, the construction workforce at the Huu Nghi border gate – Chi Lang project has excavated 20/21 million m³ and filled 10.5/11.3 million m³ of roadbed. The construction output value has reached VND 4,350 billion out of VND 7,950 billion, equivalent to 55% of the contract value.
Project Enterprise (DNDA) is planning to complete the foundation and pavement of the main route by April 2026 and finalize the entire project by September 30, 2026 - three months ahead of schedule.
The construction output value at the Huu Nghi – Chi Lang project reached VND 4,350 billion out of VND 7,950 billion, equivalent to 55% of the contract value.
Project Enterprise requested the Ministry of Construction to consult with the Ministry of Finance to report to competent authorities regarding the Lang Son Provincial People's Committee's proposal to allocate 2,200 billion VND from the Central budget, following the project's adjustment to increase the ratio of State capital participation according to Document No. 976/UBND-KTCN dated May 21, 2025.
The Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Project Enterprise plans to complete the foundation and pavement of the main route by April 2026.
Regarding the deployment of rest stops along the route, the project investor requested the Ministry of Construction to soon submit to the Government for the issuance of a Decree amending and supplementing decrees in the road sector, including Decree No. 165/2024/ND-CP. This will serve as a basis for competent authorities and investors to agree on investment and construction plans.
Concerning tax refunds, the investor proposed that the Ministry of Construction consult with the Ministry of Finance to promptly resolve obstacles as per Project Enterprise's Document No. 45/CV-HNCL dated January 9, 2026. This is to ensure project completion progress while the Ministry of Finance reviews and adjusts Circular No. 80/TT-BTC dated September 29, 2021. Additionally, they requested the General Department of Taxation – Ministry of Finance to approve VAT refunds for the Huu Nghi – Chi Lang expressway project under the PPP model based on the site handover minutes signed between the competent state authority and the project enterprise.
Reporting at the site, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of DEOCA Group, stated that from now until the Lunar New Year, the unit strives to complete the section from the end of the Bac Giang – Lang Son expressway to the intersection of National Highway 4B in Ky Lua Ward to serve the travel needs of people during the Lunar New Year. He also requested Lang Son provincial leaders to direct the allocation of forces to coordinate and ensure traffic safety during the temporary operation of this segment.
Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of DEOCA Group, stated that from now until the Lunar New Year, the unit strives to complete the section from the end of the Bac Giang – Lang Son expressway to the intersection of National Highway 4B in Ky Lua Ward to serve the travel needs of people during the Lunar New Year.
After listening to the reports, Minister Tran Hong Minh recognized the efforts while requesting the investor and contractors to maximize human and material resources, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to accelerate construction. Regarding the investor's proposals, the Minister suggested that the Lang Son Provincial People's Committee promptly send documents to the Ministry of Finance to decisively resolve the tax refund issue according to current regulations. Concerning the consensus on investment policies for rest stops, the Ministry leadership stated they would direct an acceleration of the process while guiding the locality and investor to implement it in accordance with regulations at the earliest possible time.
Minister Tran Hong Minh presents gifts to encourage staff at the Huu Nghi - Chi Lăng project.
Commending the investor's creative approach
Continuing the inspection of the Dong Dang – Tra Linh expressway project, the delegation traveled along the route from Km0 to Km61+500. Reporting at the site, the Project Enterprise representative stated that despite being affected by cold, rainy weather, complex geology, and a massive workload from two phases being implemented simultaneously, the contractors have maintained a vibrant construction pace.
To date, the construction force has completed 23.57/24 million m³ of excavation and 10.56/11 million m³ of roadbed filling, finished 20 km of aggregate base, and laid 15 km of asphalt concrete. The output value has reached VND 7,200 billion out of VND 11,476.77 billion, equivalent to 63% of the contract value.
The Dong Dang - Tra Linh Project Enterprise representative reports on the project's implementation status.
In 2026, the project aims to complete the asphalt concrete paving and installation of traffic safety equipment by September, moving toward full project completion by December 31, 2026. Currently, the project faces obstacles regarding capital allocation for both phases and a shortage of personnel, particularly highly skilled workers and specialized engineers.
Despite the impact of cold and rainy weather, complex geology, and the massive workload of two phases being implemented simultaneously, the contractors have maintained a vibrant construction pace.
According to Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, since its groundbreaking, the Dong Dang – Tra Linh expressway project has consistently received close attention from the leaders of the Party and the Government. For a PPP project passing through an especially difficult area to be successful, the investor has applied various creative approaches, such as participating in the Project Steering Committee and Assisting Team alongside local authorities; implementing site clearance methods that achieved high social consensus; deploying the PPP++ model to secure capital and increase discipline and accountability among parties; and establishing a warranty mechanism spanning the project's entire life cycle.
To achieve the 2026 targets, the Project Enterprise (DNDA) requested the Ministry of Construction to allow the completion of the 93 km expansion with a 17-meter roadbed width, arranging parking lay-bys according to technical designs every 4 km within Phase 1. This would enable the project to enter operation on December 31, 2026 - 12 months ahead of schedule. In 2027, the project will continue finalizing the roadbed expansion to 22 meters with continuous emergency breakdown lanes.
Minister Tran Hong Minh presents gifts to encourage staff at the Dong Dang - Tra Linh project.
Witnessing the positive transformations at the site following the completion of the Phase 1 technical opening milestone on December 19, 2025, Minister Tran Hong Minh highly appreciated the determination, creativity, and relentless efforts of all forces. He requested the investors and contractors to take advantage of dry weather to continue concentrating on construction efforts in 2026, while simultaneously ensuring project quality, labor safety, and environmental sanitation.
News: Bac Hiep – Photos: Binh Linh
