The ceremony to launch the construction of four components projects of the first phase of the 188km Châu Đốc-Cần Thơ-Sóc Trăng Expressway was held on Saturday, with the participation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

Crossing the Mekong Delta region, the expressway begins in Sóc Trăng Province’s Trần Đề port, runs through Hậu Giang province and Cần Thơ City, and ends in An Giang province’s Châu Đốc City. It is designed to be 32.25m wide and have six lanes, with its total cost exceeding VNĐ44.69 trillion (US$1.89 billion) sourced from the central and local budgets.

The project is divided into four sub-projects, whose investment management agencies are the People's Committees of Sóc Trăng, Hậu Giang, and An Giang provinces and Cần Thơ City. The expressway is expected to be completed in 2026 and the entire project in 2027.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Chính said the expressway would be the first horizontal axis one in the Mekong Delta, connecting the region with the national expressway system. It was expected to be one of six expressways that change the Mekong Delta as well as connect many economic centres, international border gates and seaports, he added.

The Government leader said that the implementation of the project was a step to realise the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress as well as the guidelines and policies of the Party and State on infrastructure and social-economic development, and on ensuring national defence and security in the region.

He also highlighted the need to build the Mekong Delta into a key economic region with high and sustainable growth, adding that the region has abundant potential but its transport infrastructure remains limited at the moment.

The PM affirmed that the Government always paid attention and worked drastically so that the project and other infrastructure development projects are completed on schedule and with quality, meeting the requirements of socio-economic development and improving people's living standards.

He ordered the construction of the expressway to be done quickly, efficiently, safely and without waste. — VNS