Prime Minister Approves Expansion of Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh Expressway to 10 Lanes and Construction of Cat Lai River Tunnel

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the swift completion of documents for the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway and approved the proposal to construct an under-river tunnel replacing the Cat Lai Bridge.

During his inspection visit on December 3 to monitor the progress of the Long Thanh Airport project, the Prime Minister allocated significant time to hear reports from ministries, local authorities, and project investors about transportation connectivity projects, especially the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway expansion.

In response to questions about the delay in finalizing the project documents, the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), the project owner, explained that the documents have been pending for nearly two years due to issues related to debt, interest, and adjustments to charter capital. The documents are currently under review by the Ministry of Finance.

The Prime Minister emphasized: “Two years is an unreasonably long time, wasting resources and time. Who will take responsibility for this delay?” He instructed Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc to oversee the matter, propose solutions, and report back by December 15. The project’s documentation for the expressway upgrade must be completed within December and submitted to the National Assembly.

Regarding Dong Nai Province’s proposal to replace the Cat Lai Bridge with an under-river tunnel, the Prime Minister approved the plan, emphasizing that it would enhance the aesthetic and functional connection between Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. He also tasked Dong Nai Province with advancing its urban planning to transform Long Thanh into a modern airport city.

The Prime Minister called on ministries, sectors, and localities to proactively implement their responsibilities without shifting blame. For issues requiring higher authority or new mechanisms, proposals must be promptly submitted for consideration.

Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed general agreement with the recommendations and urged stakeholders to expedite project progress. He directed the Ministry of Transport to consider alternative connectivity solutions such as metro, subways, or high-speed rail between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports, aiming to finalize routing and investment plans by the first quarter of 2025.

The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of urgent and efficient work: “Overcome the sun, conquer the rain, and face storms without yielding. Work in three shifts around the clock, even through holidays and weekends. Focus on actions, not excuses.”