KPL
Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has instructed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) to prioritise infrastructure construction, maintenance and repairs nationwide, stressing the need to use limited state resources efficiently while supporting economic growth and national development.
(KPL) He issued the directives during a meeting with senior officials and personnel of the ministry on October 13, 2026, highlighting the importance of transport and public infrastructure in facilitating travel, supporting production and strengthening economic security.
The Prime Minister called for a nationwide assessment of strategic economic routes, connecting roads and roads serving agricultural production areas to determine their condition, compliance with technical standards and investment priorities.
He also urged the ministry to address institutional and technical obstacles affecting project implementation, systematically resolve outstanding debts from past public investment projects and closely monitor major national infrastructure projects to ensure quality and safety.
On transport modernisation, Saleumxay called for closer coordination to promote electric vehicles, expand charging infrastructure and ensure the quality of imported vehicles. He also stressed the need to improve urban water supply, modernise ministry operations through digital technology and reform the civil aviation sector to meet international safety standards and improve operational efficiency.
At the meeting, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay presented the ministry’s performance report for the first nine months of 2026, along with action plans for the fourth quarter and 2027. The report covered roads, railways, civil aviation, inland waterways, housing, urban planning, water supply and initiatives to strengthen economic self-reliance.
Key projects reviewed included the implementation of road construction and maintenance policies under National Assembly Resolution No. 165/NA and Government Resolution No. 10/GOV, as well as progress on the Vientiane–Boten, Boten–Houayxay and Vientiane–Hanoi expressways.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed Thangon–Nachanglek expressway alignment linking Xaythany District in Vientiane with Thoulakhom District in Vientiane Province, and feasibility studies, surveys and design work for the proposed expressway connecting Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Xieng Khouang and Huaphanh provinces to the Nam Soi International Checkpoint.
Other projects discussed included the Paksan bypass road in Bolikhamxay Province, the Palaai–Nam Yon highway and the Route 5B highway linking the Nam Yon Bridge junction in Xaysomboun Province with Namon Village in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province.
The directives underscore the government's focus on prioritising essential infrastructure, improving project management and ensuring that public investment delivers lasting benefits despite budget constraints.
KPL
