Panama - The Development Of Transport Sector Of Panama

Every year the Panama government invests a large sum of money towards the betterment of its transport sector. The transport sector of Panama employs the maximum amount of workers in the service industry of the economy. Panama has road ways, reaching to almost all parts of the country and beyond, and well maintained international air transport facilities. Having two sides of Panama open to the sea leaves Panama with the advantage of having a good water transport system. The railways are the only method of transportation that is restricted to just within the country. When it comes to the transport sector of Panama, it has to be said that Panama has the most famous and most efficient shortcut for water oriented vehicles - the Panama Canal. It stretches just 50 miles to connect the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It also attracts thousands of visitors every year to Panama.

Panama has a total of 11,643 kilometers of roadway stretching throughout the country of which 4,028 kilometers are paved. Panama has a convincingly good road system. Buses are an available mean of transport in most big cities, although they can be very slow at times. Although the taxi cabs don't follow meters and the fares fluctuate, they are relatively cheap. Especially for tourists visiting for a long specific period of time, cars are available for hire. The largest highways are the Trans-Isthman highway, that links the Panama City and Colon, and the Pan-American Highway that links Costa Rica to Yaviza in the Darien Province, which is the only international highway in Panama.

Panama's transport sector includes a total of 355 kilometers of railway. There are currently no international linkages between Panama's railway system. But recently the Panama Canal Railway Co. (PCRC) has invested around $25 million to expand and modernize Panama's rail transport system.

The maritime transport sector of Panama has flourished after the rights of the Panama Canal had been handed back to Panama on31st December 1999. The 3 ports of Panama, of which the main port is Panama (Balboa), have been privatized. Panama has a total of 5,764 (1000 GRT or over) ships operating within its shores and internationally. And the work on the Panama Canal's widening has been planned. A total of more than $5 billion are being spent to allow Post-Panamax ships to cross it. After the year 2001 the Panama Canal as increased its cargo volume as well as its income. There are a number of cruise ships that take you around the shores of Panama and through the Panama Canal but the more luxurious ones do not fit the Canal yet. But after the very expensive expansion of the canal the most luxurious cruises will be available through the Panama Canal.

The air transport sector of Panama was the fastest growing sector of Panama last year. The no. of passengers arriving and departing has crossed 2 million. Panama has a total of 116 airports of which 54 are paved. The national airline of Panama is Compania Panamena de Aviacion and other international airlines make regular flights to Panama as well making it quite easy for foreigners to visit Panama.

The transport sector of Panama is increasingly developing every year. The government has been undertaking modernization projects to make it easier for tourist to go around the country and experience its beauties. After all a foreign place needs to have a good transport sector and communication for the foreigners to feel comfortable and enjoy their stay.