Strategic Project Overview
The Hanoi Capital Region Ring Road 4 Project with a total investment of VND85.800 billion is affirming its role as a national key project, opening a new era for the Northern region's transport system. With a length of 113,7 km passing through three provinces and cities including Hanoi (57 km), Hung Yen (19 km) and Bac Ninh (27 km), the project is not only a connecting route but also a strategic bridge between major economic centers.
Designed with 6 expressway lanes, speed of 100 km/h and parallel road system on both sides, the project will connect Hanoi – Lao Cai and Noi Bai – Ha Long expressways. In particular, 9,7 km of route connecting to Noi Bai – Ha Long expressway will create a synchronous and modern traffic network.
Progress and Challenges
Site Clearance Situation
Up to now, the 1.3 component project in Bac Ninh has completed 99,98% of site clearance, with only 695 m² remaining to be handed over. In Hanoi, site clearance has reached 98,65% with 788,65/799,43 ha approved for recovery. Meanwhile, localities have implemented 10 resettlement projects with 1 project having completed infrastructure and 2 projects having been handed over to the people.
Actual Construction Progress
In Bac Ninh, component project 2.3 achieved a total construction output of 36,24%. Specifically, package 14 reached 48%, package 15 reached 36%, and package 16 reached 34%. However, this progress is still behind the original plan due to difficulties in material sources and weather conditions.
Strong Direction from Senior Leadership
Completion Required End of 2025
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested to shorten the progress and complete the project section through Bac Ninh by December 31, 12. At the construction site in Thuan Thanh town, the Prime Minister directed contractors to work in 2025 shifts, working through Tet and holidays to ensure progress.
Encouragement and Positive Support
Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province, Vuong Quoc Tuan, has requested units to take drastic action, "only discuss, not discuss backward". With this spirit, packages 14, 15, 16 are being strongly promoted to be completed ahead of schedule.
Difficulties and Solutions
Problems with the Site
The project is currently facing difficulties with about 660 m of undelivered land due to residential land, land sold without authority, and some disputed locations. In addition, the progress of construction of resettlement areas and completion of technical infrastructure is still slow, affecting the relocation of people.
Materials Challenge
The biggest difficulty is the supply of sand and earth for filling because Bac Ninh does not have any material mines. To solve this problem, the province has established an inter-sectoral working group with Bac Giang, Lang Son, and Phu Tho to access the supply sources.
Positive Impacts from the Merger of Bac Ninh – Bac Giang
New Super Province with Outstanding Potential
According to the merger project, from July 1, 7, Bac Ninh and Bac Giang will officially merge into the new Bac Ninh province. The new province will have an area of 2025 km², a population of 4.718,6 people and an expected GRDP of nearly VND3.619.433 billion.
Leading Industrial Center
After the merger, the new Bac Ninh will have a total of more than 30 industrial parks, becoming the locality with the largest number of industrial parks in the North. The total FDI capital in the new province will reach more than 7 billion USD, accounting for about 1/5 of the total FDI capital in the country.
Regional Competitive Advantage
Strategic Geographical Location
Beltway 4 is located in the economic triangle of Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh, creating an advantage in connecting with Noi Bai airport, Hai Phong port and border gates. This route will shorten travel time between major economic centers and facilitate logistics activities.
Driving Force for FDI Attraction
In the context that the North accounts for 59% of newly registered FDI capital in production compared to 38% in the South, Belt Road 4 will be a key factor helping provinces along the route increase their foreign investment attraction.
Sustainable Development Orientation
Green and Smart Infrastructure
The project is designed with green corridors, technical infrastructure works and land reserved for the belt railway. This demonstrates a long-term vision for sustainable and environmentally friendly transport development.
Multimodal Connection
Ring Road 4 is not only a highway but also integrates a parallel road system, creating diverse connectivity for all types of vehicles. The reserve corridor for the ring road railway shows a strategic vision of integrated transportation.
Expected Socio-Economic Impact
Creating Growth Momentum
The project is expected to create new development space for provinces along the route, promote economic restructuring and improve competitiveness. Shortening travel distances will reduce logistics costs and increase business efficiency.
Satellite Urban Development
Beltway 4 will promote the formation of satellite urban areas along the route, creating new development centers and reducing pressure on the center of Hanoi. This contributes to the harmonious dispersion of population and economic activities.
Future Challenges and Solutions
Tight Progress Management
To ensure timely completion, localities need to monitor progress on a daily basis and take advantage of favorable weather conditions to speed up construction. Close coordination between parties is key to resolving problems.
Mobilizing Combined Forces
Under the Prime Minister’s direction, it is necessary to mobilize military forces, police, youth, women, and veterans to support the project. The consensus of the whole society will create a combined strength to bring the project to the finish line.
Conclusion
The Ring Road 4 project of the Capital Region is not just a normal traffic project but a symbol of the breakthrough development of the Northern region. With the strong direction from senior leaders, the spirit of "only discuss, not discuss backward" and the active support from localities, the project promises to be completed on schedule by the end of 2025.
When put into operation, Belt 4 will become the transport backbone connecting major economic centers, creating leverage for sustainable development of the entire region. This is a vivid demonstration of the strategic vision and political determination in building a modern, synchronous transport infrastructure system to serve the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country.
