For transport industry, 2021 has been year of infrastructure development - Linkaits

RIGA - For the transport industry, 2021 has been a year of infrastructure development, and the focus was mostly on road infrastructure upgrades, Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (New Conservative Party) told reporters today.

The government's work on and the approval of the long-term strategy for highways is the most important achievements this year, said Linkaits. The plan covers the development of main highways as well as development and construction of regional and local roads.

The Cabinet also approved a regulation in December on cooperation with local governments in road infrastructure development. Planning of reconstruction of Riga bypass also began this year.

Linkaits also emphasized road safety improvements as important part of transport infrastructure development, and that increasingly more funds are allocated for this purpose every year. The minister also mentioned the completion of the network of charging stations.

Several railroad infrastructure development projects were launched this year - construction of a new track section of Ziemelblazma-Mangali railroad, modernization of 48 stations and stops, and increasing the speed limit on Krustpils and Jelgava railroads.

Linkaits also emphasized the importance of the development of public transport network in Greater Riga, and purchases of new, modern buses for regional bus routes.