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Monday, April 7, 2025
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Bus-Rapid-Transit Road Rushing to be Completed Before Lao New Year

This Week

Vientiane is committed to completing the construction of the Setthathirath Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) road just before the Lao New Year, according to Bounyavat Niraxay, Director of the Public Works and Transport Department, during an inspection on 2 April.

The goal is to minimize traffic disruptions for local businesses and religious sites during the festival. Bounyavat, alongside the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project (VSUTP), visited the site to assess progress and stressed the importance of finishing the paving work before the Pi Mai festival.

(Photo: THE URBAN TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SECTION)

The Setthathirath Road expansion will include widened lanes for dedicated bus routes, improved drainage systems, and enhanced pedestrian walkways.

This road section links several major temples and public gathering spaces across Vientiane. 

Kiettiphan Senamadmountee, one of the engineers responsible for the project, also echoed Bounyavat’s statement, saying that he’s positive that the construction will meet the deadline.

Kiettiphan Senamadmountee said with The Lao National Radio

“We are working around the clock to ensure the road is accessible and clean in time for the Lao New Year celebrations,” said Kiettiphan Senamadmountee, speaking in a video published by the Lao National Radio on 2 April. “We want it to be ready so it can serve as a key part of the Nang Sangkhan parade route.”

Meanwhile, the BRT project is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2025, with a three-month free trial period planned before official services commence.

Once completed, the BRT system will provide sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation for Vientiane residents, significantly enhancing the city’s infrastructure. 

With the Lao New Year just days away, anticipation is growing; both residents and visitors are closely watching to see whether this section of Vientiane’s transportation network will be ready in time for one of the year’s most important cultural celebrations.

The expansion of the BRT in Vientiane has made significant progress since the official launch of the project in mid-2024. The initiative aims to enhance the public transportation network, offering more efficient, eco-friendly options for Vientiane residents and visitors.

The project represents a significant investment in Vientiane’s urban infrastructure, funded by the Asian Development Bank and co-financed by partners, European Investment Bank, OPEC Fund for International Development, European Union – Asia Investment Facility, Global Environmental Facility, High-Level Technology Fund, the Lao government and the private sector., and technical assistance from international experts.

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