Overcoming sun, winning rain
The Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot expressway project started construction in June 2023, with a total capital of nearly 22,000 billion VND, including 3 component projects.
In which, Component Project 2 is considered the most difficult due to passing through rugged hilly terrain, complex geology, and the climate intersection of the Central Highlands - South Central Coast. Over the past time, contractors have focused their efforts on construction, striving to open the route in May 2026 according to the Government's direction.
Component project 2 phase 1 is managed by the Ministry of Construction as the managing agency, Project Management Board 6 (now Railway Project Management Board) as the investor. The road is nearly 37km long, from Km32+000 (Ninh Tay commune, Khanh Hoa province) to Km68+854.48 (Ea O commune, Dak Lak province), with a total capital of more than 10,400 billion VND, mainly from the central budget.
The project is divided into 3 construction packages: XL01 implemented by Deo Ca Joint Venture; XL02 undertaken by Phuong Thanh - Hoa Hiep - Song Da 10 - Thai Yen Joint Venture; XL03 constructed by Dat Phuong - 484 - Tan Nam - Cienco 4 Joint Venture.
In the days leading up to Tet, hundreds of engineers and workers are still clinging to the construction site, taking advantage of favorable weather to accelerate. Four 5,550m long mountain tunnels have been excavated, concrete tunnel shells are being poured, and road surface foundations are being completed.
The entire route has completed 100/100 main drainage culverts; 19/59 service road culverts; 16/18 civil underpasses. All 38 bridges with 51/51 units are being deployed simultaneously.
According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, Head of Supervision Consultant of Transport Construction Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 (TECCO2), weather is the biggest challenge. At times, prolonged rain for nearly 4 months caused the construction site to be temporarily stopped.
When conditions are favorable, contractors mobilize maximum manpower and machinery to compensate for progress, determined to complete the project on schedule" - Mr. Kien added.
Construction in 3 shifts, 4 crews
Component project 2 is located in an area with a long rainy season, complex geology, and high risk of landslides. In 2025, natural disasters diễn biến bất thường.
Specifically, from November 15-23, 2025, heavy rain will cause serious floods and landslides, disrupting many traffic routes, directly affecting the progress and damage to construction units.
However, with the drastic direction of the Government, the Ministry of Construction and the coordination of localities, the construction value to date has reached about 5,163 billion VND, equivalent to 61.7% of the contract. Of which, package XL01 reached more than 52%, XL02 nearly 68%, XL03 more than 65%.
Mr. Pham Van Hung, Deputy General Director of Deo Ca Group, said that the joint venture has mobilized nearly 600 personnel, about 160 equipment, and organized 18 construction teams (6 tunnel teams, 12 bridge teams and road teams). The operation is carried out flexibly according to ground conditions and geology, ensuring output and committed progress.
With package XL01, the goal is to complete it in October 2026 and has been shortened by about 8 months compared to the contract. The main item is Phuong Hoang tunnel, both pipes have been opened; currently focusing on completing the tunnel shell, installing electromechanical systems, ITS, SCADA to ensure synchronous and safe operation.
After conducting a field survey, Mr. Truong Cong Thai, Vice Chairman of Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee, highly appreciated the sense of responsibility of the investor and contractor. The units organized "3 shifts, 4 teams" according to the Prime Minister's direction, creating a foundation to ensure progress and quality of the project.
