There are roads that not only shorten geographical distances but also hold the promise of opening up new development spaces. The tunnel connecting Phu Tho - Thai Nguyen - Hanoi from the western to the eastern flank of Tam Dao is being studied in that direction. Once implemented, this will be one of the breakthrough transport projects for Thai Nguyen as well as neighboring provinces, contributing to realizing regional development planning, strengthening links between growth poles, and meeting the expectations of authorities and residents after many years of anticipation.
Rendering of the tunnel road through the Tam Dao mountain range
Turning the idea of a connection across the Tam Dao range into reality
Under the plan proposed by Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company, the road has a total length of about 19.65 km, starting in Quan Chu commune (Thai Nguyen province), connecting with the Thai Nguyen - Bac Ninh - Phu Tho inter-provincial link road, and ending in Tam Dao commune (Phu Tho province), connecting with National Highway 2B, the road leading up to Tam Dao Tourist Area. The road passes through the relatively flat terrain of Quan Chu commune before crossing the Tam Dao range via a road tunnel. After exiting the tunnel, the route runs along the area of Xa Huong Lake, passes through Tam Dao Golf Course, and connects with National Highway 2B, forming a direct transport corridor between Nui Coc Lake and Tam Dao Tourist Area.
Tunnel road being studied and designed to modern technical standards, applying advanced technological solutions to meet long-term traffic demand and minimize impact on the terrain and natural landscape of the Tam Dao range (Photo: a section of Quan Chu commune - where the investment plan for the tunnel road through the Tam Dao range is being studied)
The project's proposed investment plan follows a modern and coordinated approach, with 7 bridges along the route, a twin-tube road tunnel about 2 km long, and a design speed of 80 km/h. An intelligent transport system, an operations and monitoring center, and safety-assurance equipment will be invested in from the outset. The tunnel section through the Tam Dao range in particular is being studied and designed to modern technical standards, applying advanced technological solutions for ventilation, lighting, fire prevention and fighting, search and rescue, and traffic management, ensuring safety in operation, meeting long-term traffic demand, and minimizing impact on the terrain and natural landscape of the Tam Dao range.
The project is proposed to be invested in under the public-private partnership (PPP) method, with state capital accounting for about 50% of the total investment. The parties are expected to complete the documentation in 2026 for submission to the competent authorities for consideration of the investment policy, with the goal of breaking ground in 2027 and completing the project before 2030.
Tunnel road connecting with the Thai Nguyen - Bac Ninh - Phu Tho inter-provincial link road in the area of Quan Chu commune, Thai Nguyen province
The project's special value lies in its connectivity. Once completed, it will be the shortest road connecting Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, cutting about 40 km from the current route. The new road will make journeys shorter and more convenient, saving significant time and transport costs. More importantly, the road will create an entirely new transport corridor from the western to the eastern flank of Tam Dao, directly connecting Nui Coc Lake with Tam Dao - two major tourism centers of the region. This connectivity will not only expand inter-regional tourism products but also help develop logistics, trade, services, high-quality education and healthcare, and attract investment into areas with significant untapped potential.
With its position connecting the midland region and the capital region, the project is expected to form a new economic corridor, boosting trade between Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, and neighboring localities, and creating momentum for sustainable development across the region for many years to come.
Hopes for a road that opens up the future
The tunnel project through Tam Dao is not a short-term idea but has been oriented in the planning of both Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho. Thai Nguyen province's proactive engagement with Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company - an entity with extensive experience in investing in and building large road tunnel projects nationwide - along with its policy of working with relevant units and localities in the coming time, demonstrates the provincial leadership's determination to gradually realize the planning and create new development momentum.
Working session between Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee and Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company
Earlier, at a working session with Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company, Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan affirmed that this is a project of strategic significance, creating a strong breakthrough in development space, opening up new room for growth, and strengthening regional connectivity. The province will proactively coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, localities, and the investor to accelerate preparations and realize the project at an early date.
For its part, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company, said that with its experience in investing in and constructing many large-scale road tunnel projects nationwide, the Group wishes to work alongside Thai Nguyen province and relevant localities to study and select the optimal investment plan, ensuring technical, economic, and environmental efficiency.
Information about the plan to study investment in the tunnel road connecting Thai Nguyen - Phu Tho - Hanoi has attracted the attention of a large number of residents as well as press and media agencies. Although still only at the research stage, many press articles have assessed it as an idea of strategic scale, opening up a new direction for connectivity between the Nui Coc Lake area, Tam Dao, and the capital region. Once approved for implementation by the competent authorities, the project will not only add a modern transport route but also help expand development space, strengthen regional linkages, and enhance connectivity between the region's economic and tourism centers.
Information on the plan to study investment in the tunnel road connecting Thai Nguyen - Phu Tho - Hanoi drawing the attention of press agencies
For residents, the project is expected to shorten travel time, facilitate trade, promote tourism development, expand the consumption market for local specialty products, as well as attract further investment projects, create jobs, and improve residents' living standards. This attention reflects the public's high expectations for an infrastructure project capable of creating a breakthrough in transport connectivity and socio-economic development.
From a planning orientation, the tunnel road connecting Thai Nguyen - Phu Tho - Hanoi is gradually being made concrete through studies, surveys, and close coordination among the localities and units involved. Once implemented, the project will not only shorten the distance between Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho but also form a new connecting axis between the midland region and the capital region. It will be a road connecting spaces for economic, tourism, and service development, contributing to realizing regional development planning while meeting residents' expectations for a modern, coordinated transport infrastructure system, laying the foundation for sustainable development in the future.