Mongolian
The 7th meeting of the Performance Monitoring Unit under the Prime Minister was held on March 15 to review the progress of key infrastructure and environmental initiatives in Ulaanbaatar. This unit, tasked with overseeing air pollution reduction and infrastructure development projects, assessed current efforts to improve the city’s living conditions.
During the meeting, participants discussed major projects including the Tuul River Expressway, the New Belt Road, the Selbe sub-center, and initiatives focused on semi-coke production. Emphasizing the need for integrated urban development, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Ulaanbaatar’s challenges through strategic planning. Among the proposed infrastructure projects, the Vertical Axis Expressway, introduced by Minister of Roads and Transport B. Delgersaikhan, aims to connect the northern and southern parts of the city. This expressway is expected to intersect with both the Tuul River Expressway and the New Belt Road. Meeting participants recommended that this project be aligned with Ulaanbaatar’s overall development plan, citing studies that indicate a north-south expansion as the most efficient growth model. The Prime Minister instructed officials to incorporate expert assessments into the planning process and present the project to the Cabinet for approval.
Discussions also focused on measures to improve insulation in ger (traditional nomadic dwelling) neighborhoods and older apartment buildings located within the city’s green zones. According to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, enhancing insulation in these homes could reduce heating costs significantly, by up to two or three times, contributing to lower air pollution levels.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene visited the home of B. Tugsjargal in the Bayanzurkh district, where gas stoves have recently been introduced as part of a pilot project. B. Tugsjargal praised the convenience and cleanliness of using gas stove, noting that improved insulation would make heating even more cost-effective. Currently, over 30 households in the district have adopted gas stoves, with city authorities planning a phased rollout to additional districts.
The Prime Minister reiterated the urgency of accelerating Ulaanbaatar’s major projects, stressing that efforts to combat air pollution and traffic congestion must continue without interruption throughout the spring and summer.
