Good news from the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project: First package completes all foundation works

On June 7^th, Package No. 1 of the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project (implemented by the joint venture of Song Da Construction and Service Joint Stock Company – PC1 Group Joint Stock Company – Dong Anh Steel Tower Co., Ltd.) officially completed foundation excavation and concreting at all 51 out of 51 tower locations. This is the first package of the entire project to overcome numerous challenges and reach this critical progress milestone.

From the construction site, Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc – Deputy General Director of Song Da Construction and Service JSC, representing the contractor consortium, shared that this achievement is the result of relentless efforts over the past three months, under the direct direction, support, and close cooperation from EVN leadership and Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1).

Package No. 1 comprises 51 tower positions, from VT1 to VT52, located across Bao Yen and Bao Thang districts in Lao Cai Province. These positions stretch over hilly terrain with narrow access roads, many of which are inaccessible to motor vehicles. In addition, the mountainous weather in the Northwest frequently changes unexpectedly; during heavy rains, roads become slippery, hindering transportation of materials and equipment.

Acknowledging these challenges, the contractor consortium was determined to bring the “Spirit of Circuit 3” into the construction of the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line. From the very beginning of the project, the contractors worked with the spirit of “conquering the sun and defeating the rain,” “working through days and seizing the nights.”

Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc emphasized: “Absolutely no ‘idle time’ – that is the working principle of Package No. 1 contractors. We utilized every hour and every minute of dry weather for excavation and concreting, with work phases overlapping continuously. In particular, having anticipated an early rainy season, we began transporting materials and equipment to the tower sites very early. Therefore, when it started raining and transportation became impossible, we already had sufficient resources on site to continue construction.”

The contractor consortium proactively developed a multi-layered construction plan and organized multiple independent working teams. Workers were accommodated near the sites to minimize travel time.

In fact, not only leading in foundation works, the Package No. 1 consortium also pioneered in tower erection, being the first to install towers at several positions along the transmission line, including VT42 and VT28.

While celebrating the successful completion of the foundation milestone, the contractors are well aware that many challenges remain ahead. “We are maintaining a high-intensity work pace to proceed with tower erection and stringing. We are fully committed to working with the investor to bring the project to the finish line,” said Mr. Nguyen Cao Ngoc.

According to Mr. Do Quang Khai – Deputy Director of EVNPMB1, Package No. 1 is one of ten combined packages under the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project. The package officially commenced on March 10^th, 2025. In less than three months, all foundation excavation and concreting work has been completed.

“We highly appreciate the proactive approach, flexibility, and strong determination of the Package No. 1 contractor consortium. From the outset, they implemented construction day and night, even during holidays. As a result, they made the most of the ‘golden time’ in March and April before the rainy season.” Mr. Do Quang Khai assessed.

According to EVNPMB1 leadership, the Package No. 1 consortium has maintained an urgent and steady construction pace across all 51 tower positions. Their breakthrough progress has had a positive impact on the overall construction atmosphere of the project. “We consider this a model of good execution and will share their experience with other contractors,” emphasized Mr. Do Quang Khai.

EVNPMB1 expects that with their current progress and accumulated experience, the Package No. 1 consortium will not only complete their assigned scope but also be able to support other packages in upcoming tower erection and stringing phases, contributing to the overall momentum of the project.

The 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project consists of 468 tower positions, traversing 4 provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc. It starts at the 500kV Lao Cai substation and ends at the 500kV Vinh Yen substation. The total investment exceeds VND 7,410 billion.

Once in operation, the 500kV transmission line will transmit power from hydropower plants in the Northwest and neighboring provinces to the national grid, while enhancing import capacity. It will also strengthen the connection between regional power systems, improve national grid stability and safety, reduce transmission losses, and increase EVN’s overall business efficiency.

Some photos of construction work on Package No. 1:

Learn more about the 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project here