The construction site of the Cần Thơ–Cà Mau expressway project in Cà Mau City. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has issued a directive urging ministries, local authorities and relevant stakeholders to speed up site clearance and secure construction materials to ensure the completion of 3,000km of expressways by the end of this year.

Issued on Tuesday, the directive was sent to the ministries of construction, industry and trade and agriculture and environment, as well as to provincial leaders and the general director of Việt Nam Electricity (EVN).

The Government has set a target of building 5,000km of expressways by 2030, with a major milestone of 3,000km by December 31. To this end, the PM has launched a 500-day campaign and established seven inspection teams to identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting key infrastructure projects.

While there has been some progress following recent site visits and Government directives, the Ministry of Construction reports that several localities remain behind schedule in handling land clearance, resettlement support, infrastructure relocation and material licensing, delays that are affecting project timelines.

To maintain public investment momentum and support the economic growth target of more than 8 per cent this year, the PM has demanded swift and coordinated action. He urged authorities to fully comply with recent Government conclusions and implement tasks without delay.

Local authorities have been told to take stronger leadership, mobilise the full force of the political system and regularly inspect and encourage on-the-ground efforts. 

Provinces with major site clearance backlogs, such as Đồng Nai, Khánh Hòa, Lạng Sơn, Bình Dương and Quảng Trị, must complete the work by April 30.

Others, including Nghệ An and Phú Yên, have been told to urgently hand over land for rest stops on the eastern North–South Expressway.

Several provinces must also finalise power line relocations, infrastructure adjustments and material licensing by the end of April. Meanwhile, HCM City and neighbouring areas have been urged to revise timelines and secure construction materials to prevent delays on key routes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has been tasked with reviewing existing regulations and guiding localities on procedures for restoring surplus material disposal sites, assessing the environmental impact on residents and providing compensation for lost crops and livestock as required under the Land Law.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade -- along with EVN -- must expedite the relocation of electrical infrastructure, while the Ministry of Construction will continue to coordinate with localities and project investors to resolve delays and direct round-the-clock construction efforts.

PM Chính has demanded that contractors push ahead without pause, including during holidays, to keep construction on track. — VNS