Feasibility Study for Connecting Road Networks in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

1. Project Name: Feasibility Study for Connecting Road Networks in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

2. Duration:  June 2022 - August 2024

3. Background:

Landlocked Laos, situated on the Indochina Peninsula and bordered by five GMS countries, has the potential to become a regional logistics hub, particularly in its southwestern Champasak Province, which adjoins Thailand and Cambodia. Champasak's capital, Pakse, sits at the intersection of National Highways 13 and 16, but faces increasing traffic congestion due to rising freight and passenger volumes. This is compounded by the Mekong River bisecting the province, with the two-lane Lao-Nippon Bridge as the sole river crossing, creating a bottleneck for freight traffic and highlighting the need for additional bridges. While roads are Laos' primary transportation mode, its approximately 8,000 kilometers of national highways are often narrow and poorly maintained. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure for economic growth, Laos prioritizes road development, especially national highways, as a foundation for economic activity. To this end, the Department of Public Works and Transport has secured a logistics terminal site and completed the design review for the connecting road, which will initially be unpaved. 

4. Client: Korea Engineering Consultants Corp. (KECC)

5. Government Counterpart: Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Department of Public Works and Transport of Champasak Province

6. ERA's Contribution & Scope:

• Literature Review: Gathering and analyzing existing data, reports, and studies related to transportation, infrastructure, and economic development in Laos and the region. This could include reviewing relevant government policies, master plans, and previous project documentation.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting primary data through surveys, traffic counts, and site visits. Analyzing this data to understand current traffic patterns, transportation needs, and potential environmental and social impacts. This might also include GIS mapping and spatial analysis.

• Technical Support: Assisting with engineering design tasks, such as developing preliminary road alignments, calculating earthwork volumes, and preparing cost estimates.

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Support: Helping with data collection and analysis for the ESIA, including identifying potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed road network and assisting in the development of mitigation measures.

• Economic Analysis Support: Assisting with cost-benefit analyses, financial modeling, and economic feasibility studies. This could involve researching market prices, estimating construction and maintenance costs, and projecting future traffic volumes.

• Report Writing and Presentation: Contributing to the preparation of reports, presentations, and other project deliverables. This could include summarizing research findings, preparing tables and figures, and proofreading documents.

• Logistics and Administrative Support: Providing logistical support for field visits, stakeholder consultations, and other project activities. This could include arranging travel, scheduling meetings, and managing project documentation.

7. Summary

From June 2022 to August 2024, ERA supported a Korea Engineering Consultants-led feasibility study for road network improvements in Champasak Province, Laos, commissioned by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Champasak's potential as a regional logistics hub is hindered by traffic congestion and inadequate roads. ERA's research assistance encompassed literature review, data analysis (including GIS), technical and ESIA support, economic analysis, report writing, and logistics.