The Government Office issued Document No. 5133 conveying the opinion of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc on the project investment proposal, based on considering the proposal of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee and the opinion of the Ministry of Finance.
Accordingly, the Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee to study and prepare for project investment in accordance with the law; review and evaluate investment efficiency associated with socio-economic factors to clarify the necessity and long-term effectiveness of the project.
The research results will be sent to the Ministry of Finance for synthesis and reporting to competent authorities for consideration and decision. The Ministry of Construction is assigned to review and synthesize relevant contents to supplement the Viet Tri - Hoa Binh route into the Road Network Plan and Road Infrastructure Plan for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050.
According to the proposal, the road is invested according to the standard of a 4-lane expressway, with a length of about 56km. The total estimated investment is about 15,300 billion VND, an increase of about 15,967 billion VND if implemented in the form of public-private partnership (PPP).
When completed, the route is expected to form a new traffic corridor, shortening the distance and travel time between the northern midlands and mountainous provinces and the Northwest region.
In particular, the route will directly connect the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway with the Hoa Binh - Son La expressway, creating intercommunication for the expressway network in the Northern region.
According to reporters' records, currently, the distance from Hoa Binh city to Viet Tri city is about 75km, mainly traveling through National Highway 70B. This is a vital traffic route connecting the two localities, however, along the route there are many concentrated residential areas, with high traffic volume, so travel and transportation of goods still face many difficulties.
Mr. Pham Tuan Duong (resident in Viet Tri city) said that traffic connection between Phu Tho and Hoa Binh is still dependent on existing national highways, with long travel times, especially during peak periods.
If the expressway is invested, people's travel will be much more convenient. Not only shortens travel time but also opens up opportunities for tourism and trade development between localities in the region," Mr. Duong shared.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Tuan Kien - a transport business household in Hoa Binh ward - said that the project will bring many benefits to cargo transportation activities.
Previously, there were times when the road was degraded, making it very difficult for vehicles to travel, especially in the rainy season. The transportation of agricultural products from the locality to consumption markets was affected, transportation costs increased. If there is a direct highway connection, transport businesses will reduce time and costs significantly," Mr. Kien said.
Mr. Pham Tuan Trung - Director of Tay Bac Transport Company - assessed that businesses and local people all expect the Viet Tri - Hoa Binh expressway to be deployed soon.
According to Mr. Trung, the project not only helps shorten travel time between Phu Tho and Hoa Binh but also creates favorable conditions for goods transportation, reduces logistics costs, promotes trade and opens up economic development space for the midland and mountainous areas of the North.
According to the Vietnam Road Administration, the Viet Tri - Hoa Binh route is expected to become an important connecting axis between central cities, contributing to completing the transportation network, improving the efficiency of organizing development space and creating motivation to promote socio-economic growth for the midland and mountainous areas of the North.
