The Lao government is discussing the planned route of an expressway running from Vientiane through Xaysomboun, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces to the Viet Namese border, local media reported on November 4.

Illustrative image. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

A videoconference organised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment identified the key locations of the expressway corridor, which will end at the Nam Soy border crossing with Viet Nam, according to the Vientiane Times.

The meeting assigned the Department of Roads of Ministry, Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with provincial and capital Departments of Public Works and Transport, to discuss and inspect the locations through which the expressway will pass in each district, taking into consideration local needs. Officials were also instructed to look at the proposed connecting points between provinces.

They should then present a report to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, which will approve the key locations of the corridor. This will be used as the initial route for the contractor company to conduct a detailed study and select the next section of the corridor, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The newspaper reported that last month, Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport last month appointed technical staff from the Department of Roads to coordinate with Public Works and Transport Departments in Vientiane and the provinces involved to work together.

They subsequently held an online meeting attended by the Deputy Director General of the Roads Department, Atnada Boulom, and representatives from the provinces concerned.

The meeting agreed to determine the connection points of the expressway from Vientiane through Xaysomboun, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces and to the Viet Nam border crossing at Nam Soy, based on information provided by these provinces and in accordance with local needs.

The expressway will begin at the intersection of National Road 13 South in Km21 village, Xaythany district.

In Xaysomboun province, the road will pass through Longxan district, link to Anouvong district and then pass through Longcheng district.

In Xieng Khuang province, the proposed connecting point will be Xieng Neua village in Phaxay district, connecting to Na Hoi village in Paek district, Khai Yot Ngum village in Paek district, and then Muang Kham village, connecting to Namnat village in Kham district.

In Huaphan province, the road will run through Nasala village in Huameuang district, then through Xamneua district and Viengxay district. From Huayheung village in Viengxay district it will run to the Viet Namese border.

The meeting agreed to ask the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to approve these connecting points and draw up the connecting lines of the initial route following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Source: VNA