Laos orders road assessment to target limited infrastructure funds

Laos will review its strategic road network after Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith instructed officials to direct scarce public funding towards construction and repairs that are most urgently needed.

Meeting public works and transport officials, Saleumxay requested checks on roads that serve production areas to establish where standards are being met and where improvements are necessary. He said spending should be phased, taking account of funding, development opportunities and local requirements.

He also pressed for faster progress on national investment projects without compromising standards. On electric vehicles, he called for agencies to work together on adoption targets, supporting infrastructure and appropriate quality standards specifically for imported electric vehicles.

Further instructions addressed shortages in urban water supplies and debts outstanding from earlier investment projects. Saleumxay also sought aviation improvements covering safety, dependable services, affordability and conformity with international standards.

Public Works and Transport Minister Leklai Sivilay reviewed work completed during the first nine months of 2026 and set out priorities covering the final quarter and 2027. Official Development Assistance (ODA) and government funds were financing road and bridge projects.

Projects discussed included the Vientiane-Boten expressway, its proposed extension to Huayxai in Bokeo province and a proposed expressway between Vientiane and Hanoi. Plans also cover feasibility work, surveying, design and construction for an expressway connecting Vientiane with Xaysomboun, Xiengkhouang and Huaphan provinces and the Nam Soy International Border Checkpoint.

Ministry leaders told the ongoing National Assembly session that they would act on road repairs, vehicle weight controls and other problems affecting the sector.