At a meeting discussing the disbursement of public investment capital held on April 23, Thang stressed that there was no need for contractors to worry about money to organize execution shifts.

The minister asked investors to move ahead to fulfill investment procedures for projects using medium-term investment capital in 2021-2025.

In the immediate time, investors need to request design consultants to fulfill procedures and submit for approval in May the Dau Giay – Tan Phu highway project, and the project on building an information system at the Department for Roads.

He has also requested speeding up implementation of procedures to have six projects funded by the excess state budget collection in 2022.

The six projects include Cho Moi – Bac  Kan; the route that connects Noi Bai – Lao  Cai and Tuyen Quang – Phu Tho Highways;  upgrading and expanding of bridges and tunnels on Highway No1 (Xuong Giang, Gianh and Quan Hau Bridges, and Deo Ngang tunnel); upgrading of 24B Highway (the section from Km23-Km29 that goes through Quang Ngai); expanding of Cao Bo – Mai Son highway section; and the Cam Ly rail bridge.

Regarding investment and development of ITS (intelligent transportation system) and ETC (electronic toll collection), and checking vehicle loads on new highway routes, Thang has assigned the Project 6 Board of Management to continue to work with consultants to prepare documents and submit to agencies for consideration and approval. 

The requirement is that ITS must use shared software to ensure investment efficiency and sync with the entire project at reasonable costs.

As for the North-South Expressway eastern part in 2021-2025 (phase 2), it is necessary to complete the project, from hard infrastructure to software, especially rest stops. 

“Once component projects are inaugurated and put into operation, they must meet all requirements to be handed over to the Department of Roads for management and exploitation,” The requested.

Mentioning the North-South Expressway in 2017-2020 (Phase 1), he said component projects have been basically completed. 

Investors have been requested to ask contractors to quickly complete unfinished items so as to serve socio-economic development and to be handed over to the Department of Roads soon.

“I understand that before the roads are put into operation officially, we need a time for temporary use. However, the time for temporary exploitation must be short and there must be a definite time,” Thang said. “The trial operation must not last a long time. All projects must be completed together and handed over as soon as you can."

In related news, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee will submit to the National Assembly a project on the North-South Expressway western part (Gia Nghia –Chon Thanh section).

Vu Diep