A special mechanism is necessary to speed up the progress of the North-South expressway project.

On the afternoon of January 10, under the direction of Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai, the National Assembly discussed online the Investment Policy for the North-South Expressway Construction Project in the East for the 2021-2025 period.

Overview of the discussion session on the afternoon of January 10 at Dien Hong Hall, National Assembly House. Photo: Quang Khanh

At the discussion session, 21 delegates spoke; accordingly, the majority of opinions highly agreed on the necessity of investing in the construction of this key project.

The North-South Eastern Expressway stretches from Huu Nghi Border Gate (Lang Son) to Ca Mau, with a total length of about 2,063 km, with a scale of 4-6 lanes, and urban gateway sections with a scale of 8-10 lanes. Up to now, 478 km have been put into operation, 829 km are under investment, and the remaining 756 km have not been invested.

In order to soon complete the Eastern North-South Expressway, creating momentum and spillover to restore and develop the country's socio-economy, the Government proposed that the National Assembly decide on the investment policy for the Eastern North-South Expressway Construction Project in the 2021-2025 period with locations from Ha Tinh (Bai Vot) to Quang Tri (Cam Lo), from Quang Ngai to Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) and from Can Tho to Ca Mau.

Phase 2021 - 2025 will invest about 729 km, divided into 12 independently operated component projects and implemented in the form of public investment.

Delegates attending the meeting at the Nghe An Provincial National Assembly Delegation bridge. Photo: Thanh Duy

According to the Government's Proposal, the implementation of the above project aims to complete and put into operation the synchronous North-South expressway in the East with large capacity, traffic safety, high speed; connecting economic and political centers, economic zones, key industrial zones, especially key economic regions, enhancing the competitiveness of the economy in the context of deep integration.

Thereby, gradually completing the synchronous infrastructure with modern works, creating high spreading power to promote socio-economic development and ensure national defense and security; contributing to the successful implementation of socio-economic development goals and strategies approved by the 13th National Party Congress.

Regarding specific contents, delegates suggested carefully studying the route to ensure savings and efficiency; clarifying the main technology applied to the project; carefully calculating the plan for site clearance, migration, and resettlement to avoid problems during implementation.

There are suggestions to pay attention to cross-roads connecting with existing traffic axes; consistent with the national master plan and local planning.

Delegates attending the meeting at the Nghe An Provincial National Assembly Delegation bridge. Photo: Thanh Duy

Most delegates agreed to invest the entire project with public investment capital, but many opinions also suggested studying solutions to mobilize non-state capital in investment projects in the form of public-private partnership (PPP).

Delegates also suggested further explanation of the preliminary total investment, investment rate and comparison with other projects; clarifying the capital allocated for the project and the ability to absorb and disburse capital from the socio-economic recovery package.

National Assembly delegates also gave additional comments on investment capital recovery, project component division, completion progress, specific policy mechanisms for project implementation, cross-section design, as well as the length of some sections from Can Tho to Ca Mau.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The speaks to explain the discussion opinions of National Assembly deputies. Photo: Quang Khanh

In his explanation, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The affirmed that the construction of the total investment of the project was carried out carefully, ensuring compliance with regulations and the most economical.

The head of the transport sector also commented: Having a specific mechanism to implement this key project is very necessary. Without a specific mechanism, especially for designating consulting contractors and designating construction contractors, it will take a lot of time.

Thereby, the Minister hopes that the National Assembly will support him to try to start construction of the projects simultaneously by the end of 2022 and complete them by the end of 2025.

Delegates attending the meeting at the Nghe An Provincial National Assembly Delegation bridge. Photo: Thanh Duy

Regarding the issue of contractor selection, Minister Nguyen Van The said that there will be capacity requirements, full criteria and public announcement. At that time, consulting contractors and construction contractors will register to participate. It is expected that the Government will establish an inter-ministerial council to select contractors to ensure publicity and transparency.

In response to the National Assembly delegates' request to promote publicity and transparency, avoid loss and waste when implementing the project, the Minister of Transport affirmed that the relevant agencies: Police, Inspectorate, and Audit will participate from the beginning to ensure the publicity and transparency of the project.