VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is stepping up efforts to improve transport safety and management across Laos following growing public concern over a series of serious road accidents that have resulted in loss of life.
Speaking to reporters following the ministry’s annual meeting of the public works and transport sector, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay said transport safety had become one of the government’s top priorities as authorities seek to improve services and strengthen regulatory oversight.
He said the issue of transport safety was raised extensively during the meeting, with participants calling for stronger involvement from provincial authorities and relevant sectors in addressing urgent challenges facing the transport system.
“This matter was raised for discussion at our annual meeting, and we are actively encouraging local authorities to become involved in tackling this problem,” he said.
The government will tighten the management of passenger transport, including stricter technical inspections of vehicles, improved regulation of transport stations, and enhanced monitoring of driver qualifications, he added.
He said drivers operating forms of passenger transport may also be required to undergo annual health checks to ensure they meet professional standards aimed at improving public safety.
“Most importantly, we will look at transport management comprehensively by reinspecting technical standards for passenger vehicles, improving the quality of drivers, and bringing transport stations under stronger regulatory measures,” Leklai said.
He added that local transport authorities in all provinces, together with the traffic police and other relevant agencies, would play a greater role in implementing new safety and management measures.
Road maintenance and traffic infrastructure improvements have also been identified as urgent priorities under the government’s broader road safety strategy, aimed at reducing accidents and improving travel conditions for the public.
In addition to road transport, the ministry is also reviewing the management of water transport services as part of efforts to upgrade safety standards and strengthen oversight.
The annual meeting reviewed the sector’s progress over the past year while outlining development directions for 2026-2030, including proposed investment plans for 2027.
The ministry said improving transport safety, strengthening service standards and modernising management would remain central to the government’s efforts to support socio-economic development and improve public confidence in the nation’s transport network. - Vientiane Times/ANN
