HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed that the Lao Cai–Vinh Yen 500kV power transmission line be completed by August 19, cutting the construction timeline from two years to six months.
On August 9, the PM inspected the project site in Phu Tho Province. The national key project, developed by Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), requires over VND7.41 trillion in investment and spans 229.5 kilometers through 31 communes in Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces. It affects 2,189 households, with 213 to be relocated.
Site clearance has been completed for all 468 foundation positions. Contractors have erected 306 steel towers, with materials being transported for the remaining locations.
EVN reported challenges including unfavorable weather and terrain, workforce shortages given the accelerated schedule, and unresolved site clearance issues, with some households obstructing construction.
Following the inspection, the prime minister met with relevant agencies to address obstacles and ensure the deadline is met. The project is expected to enhance the safety and stability of the national power grid, ease transmission bottlenecks for hydropower plants in the northwest region, and support regional socio-economic and urban development.
