Project Manager Mr Souksakhone Souttannouvong (right) and company representatives attend the agreement signing ceremony.

Plans progress for upgrade of Road 13 South

The Department of Roads under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has signed agreements with two construction companies to repair and maintain a 50-kilometre section of National Road 13 South, aiming to enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
The National Road 13 South Extension Rehabilitation, Improvement, and Maintenance Project covers the section from Km21 to Km71.
The agreements were signed between the Department of Roads, Road No. 8 Construction Enterprise, and Somxay Chalern Construction Road and Bridges Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was officiated by Project Manager Mr Souksakhone Souttannouvong and company representatives.
The event was attended by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr NgampasongMuongmany, along with other ministry officials.
The road upgrade will begin at Km21+300 in Khoksivilay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, and end at Km71+300 in Xaysavang village, Thaphabath district, Borikhamxay province. The road passes through Xaythany and Pakngum district in Vientiane, and Thaphabath district in Borikhamxay province.
The upgrade will bring the road up to the ASEAN Highway Standard, with an axle load limit of 11 tons to accommodate heavier vehicles while ensuring infrastructure sustainability. The surface will be asphalted. The project is expected to be completed within three years, followed by a seven-year maintenance period.
Funding for the project comes from a loan of US$40 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), US$20 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and US$12 million from the Lao government.
 The first 20 kilometres of the road will be widened from two to four lanes while the remaining 30 kilometres will be repaired as needed.
A 10-year contract under the Design, Build, Maintain, Operate, and Transfer model will oversee the road’s upgrade and maintenance.
This upgrade links with the ongoing improvements of Road 13 South from Km71 in Thaphabath district, Borikhamxay province, to Km346 in Thakhaek district, Khammuan province, as part of the NR13 South Improvement and Maintenance Project.
The upgrade will improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen connectivity at the domestic, regional, and international levels.
National Road 13 South is the most important highway in Laos, connecting Vientiane to the southern provinces and neighbouring countries. It also provides access to the northern provinces through Xaysomboun to Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 20, 2025)