High determination and efforts, focused and prioritized implementation

After inspecting the project’s construction at tower location VT404 in Thai Hoa Commune and VT369 in Dan Chu Commune, Phu Tho Province, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed delight at the energetic atmosphere at the site. On behalf of the Government, he commended the progress of the Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV project as well as the dedication of all construction forces at the sites.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs meeting with relevant parties at headquarters of Dan Chu Commune People’s Committee, Phu Tho Province. Photo: M. Nghia

Emphasizing the significance and importance of the Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV transmission line project, particularly its role in transmitting power from hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid, the Prime Minister requested that the project owner coordinate with construction units to establish a forward command team under EVN leadership to manage and direct construction, ensuring timely progress and achieving both schedule and quality targets.

EVN Chairman of Board of Directors Dang Hoang An (second from left), together with delegates, attend meeting at Dan Chu Commune People’s Committee

The Prime Minister also praised EVN - the project owner - for its decisive and continuous on-site direction. He requested EVN’s units to maintain the spirit of “living and working on site, overcoming sun and rain, undeterred by storms, staying close to the field,” set up complete on-site camps combined with ensuring local logistics to safeguard the health and working spirit of the construction workforce.

In addition to meeting the schedule, the Prime Minister directed that the project must ensure quality, technical standards, safety, and environmental protection, following the principle “restore the site immediately after each work stage.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh encourages workers at VT404 tower location of Lao Cai – Vinh Yen 500kV transmission line project. Photo: N. Tuan

Racing against time to finish on schedule

As of August 8, 2025, the Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV project had completed the concrete foundations for all 468/468 tower locations; erected steel towers at 306/468 locations (65.38%); strung conductors on 22/242 spans (9.09%); and was in the process of stringing on 23/242 spans. Materials and equipment procurement had been completed 100%; site handover was finished for all 468/468 tower foundation locations and 196/242 spans (81%).

The remaining workload is substantial, with a short construction period, difficult mountainous terrain, steep and muddy access roads, and unpredictable weather - scorching heat alternating with heavy rain and thunderstorms - affecting progress. Additionally, with high construction intensity and tight schedules, contractor manpower is insufficient for project needs.

To ensure the project’s progress as required by the Prime Minister, EVN and the contractors are currently making every effort to implement coordinated parallel solutions, with a strong focus on regularly urging contractors to concentrate manpower and machinery on construction, promptly completing tower erection and conductor stringing in line with the committed schedule.

Tower location VT369 in Dan Chu Commune, Phu Tho Province. Photo: M. Nghia

EVN leaders regularly inspect the site; project management boards, engineering consultants, and supervision consultants have stationed personnel on-site to directly supervise, urge contractors, and promptly resolve issues to avoid delays.

EVN has mobilized nearly 1,000 additional staff from its units, and Military Region 2 has deployed over 200 officers and soldiers to support construction, along with local youth union members. The combined force is determined to complete the project on schedule as required by the Prime Minister.

The Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV transmission line project is a national key energy project, vital to ensuring the country’s energy security. The project is invested by EVN and managed by the Power Project Management Board No. 1 on behalf of the investor. The total investment surpasses VND 7,410 billion, with 468 tower foundations, 202 spans, and a total length of over 229km.

The line passes through 2 provinces: Lao Cai and Phu Tho (previously 4 provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc). The section in Lao Cai Province is over 139.6km; the section in Phu Tho Province is 89.84km.

When completed, the project will help transmit electricity from major energy centers in the Northwest region to the national transmission system, enhance regional interconnection, and ensure energy security for the entire North.

Translator: Thu Hường