(KPL) The Oudomxay Department of Public Works and Transport has concluded its 2025 performance review, highlighting major gains in connectivity and outlining plans to transform the province into a key logistics hub in northern Laos.

Speaking on January 30, Department Director Mr. Somphavanh Souchalith said that despite budget constraints and climate-related maintenance pressures, 98.3 percent of Oudomxay’s 472 villages are now connected by road, strengthening the province’s role as a gateway linking five international border routes.

Cross-Border Trade Gains Momentum

A major highlight of 2025 was the sharp rise in cross-border transport. More than 1.13 million tons of goods were moved through the province, with the Laos–China Railway accounting for over 630,000 tons.

To build on this momentum, authorities are advancing feasibility studies for a dry port and dedicated logistics zones, aimed at integrating rail and road transport systems.

Progress Along the Economic Corridor

International investment continued to drive infrastructure expansion. Under the South East Asia Regional Economic Corridor and Connectivity Project (SEARECC), construction progressed on National Road 2W, supported by a USD 30 million investment.

At the same time, the 56-kilometre Muang Xay–Muang Nga road advanced steadily, improving domestic trade routes previously affected by poor road conditions.

Urban Safety and Public Utilities

Beyond transport infrastructure, the department completed the Muang Xay Flood Risk Management Project, strengthening flood protection for the provincial capital.

In the utilities sector, water production exceeded targets by 2 percent, while cooperation with international partners, including the Netherlands-based World Waternet, expanded access to clean water and sanitation for more than 27,000 residents in Muang La and Na Mo districts.

Ongoing Challenges

The department also acknowledged persistent challenges. The provincial road maintenance fund currently covers less than 10 percent of actual annual needs. In addition, 63 environmental and compensation cases linked to the Laos–China Railway remain unresolved and are listed as priorities for 2026.

2026 Focus: Safety, Professionalization, and Sustainability

Looking ahead, Oudomxay will shift from rapid construction toward professional management and safety improvement. Key priorities for 2026 include formalizing transport operators, digitalizing vehicle registration and driver testing, upgrading roads to withstand extreme weather, and reducing water loss to 25 percent.

With 121 staff members and continued implementation of the “Three-Builds” (Sam Sang) decentralization policy, the province aims to convert its transit advantage into long-term economic benefits for local communities.

KPL