The Bao Ha - Lai Chau Expressway Project (CT.13) spans approximately 163.5 km, connecting the IC16 interchange on the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway in Bao Ha commune (Lao Cai province) to the Ma Lu Thang Border Gate area in Phong Tho commune (Lai Chau province). Approximately 50 km of the total length passes through Lao Cai province, with the remainder in Lai Chau province. The road is designed with four lanes, a speed limit of 80-120 km/h, and an estimated total investment of approximately 53,000 billion VND. The Provincial Investment and Construction Project Management Board is responsible for conducting the pre-feasibility study.
The Bao Ha - Lai Chau Expressway Project (CT.13) has a scale of approximately 163.5km, connecting from the IC16 interchange on the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway to the Ma Lu Thang Border Gate area (Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province).
Notably, immediately after the conclusion of the Government Standing Committee in Notice No. 130/TB-VPCP dated March 17, 2026, the province quickly concretized it with detailed and synchronized implementation plans, clearly defining the roadmap, progress, and assigning tasks to each agency and unit. The guiding principle throughout was "one task - one point of contact," ensuring clarity of personnel, tasks, responsibilities, and timelines. This demonstrates a high level of political determination in transforming the policy into concrete action, turning the project from an idea into reality.
To ensure centralized and unified leadership, the Provincial Party Standing Committee decided to establish a Steering Committee for the project, chaired by Provincial Party Secretary Le Minh Ngan. The participation of members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, leaders of the Provincial People's Committee, departments, agencies, and localities through which the project passes demonstrates the special attention and coordinated involvement of the entire political system.
By the end of March 2026, the Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee and the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee had agreed on important aspects of the project, including the investment plan, legal preparation roadmap, and rigorous investment plan for the coming years. Two route options are currently under study: connecting through the Sa Pa Airport area to Ma Lu Thang, and connecting from the Kim Thanh area to the Ma Lu Thang border gate. Selecting the optimal option is crucial for efficient land utilization, ensuring feasibility, and promoting sustainable development.
Regarding the timeline, the project is expected to complete the pre-feasibility study report in Q1-Q2 2026, submit it to the Government in Q3 2026, and obtain investment approval by the end of 2026. If approved, construction will commence in Q2 2028 and be completed in 2031. Land clearance – one of the most challenging stages – is targeted for completion by March 2027, demonstrating the province's early and decisive preparation.
Comrade Ha Quang Trung - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee - affirmed: The two provinces will continue to coordinate closely, quickly agreeing on the scale, route, and investment form. They will proactively resolve difficulties right from the preparation stage and promptly report to competent authorities on matters beyond their authority to ensure progress.
Beyond just planning, provincial departments and agencies are tasked with reviewing the plan, preparing construction materials, allocating funds, completing legal procedures, protecting the environment, and organizing resettlement for affected residents. Local authorities in communes and wards through which the route passes are required to intensify communication and mobilization efforts to gain public consensus and support. This is also a crucial foundation for the effective implementation of compensation, support, and resettlement, a decisive factor in the project's progress.
Comrade Cao Khanh Toan - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Than commune, said: Muong Than is one of the localities through which the expressway passes. Recognizing this as a key project, the commune will focus its utmost efforts on land clearance, ensuring it is completed on schedule and in accordance with regulations, creating favorable conditions for the investor to implement the project.
With the consensus of the two provinces, the formation of the Bao Ha - Lai Chau expressway is expected to expand development opportunities, making Lao Cai a key transit point on the Kunming - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh economic corridor. For Lai Chau province, the project is a turning point to break the transportation monopoly, creating momentum for effectively exploiting the potential of tourism, trade, logistics, and agriculture and forestry; shortening travel time, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing the capacity to attract investment capital.
Source: https://baolaichau.vn/kinh-te/nang-tam-ket-noi-vung-705358
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