Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes

The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) is the Costa Rican government ministry tasked with overseeing the nation’s public works and transportation systems. It is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as highways, bridges, and public transit facilities. The ministry also establishes and enforces regulations governing the operation of road and transport services to ensure safety and efficiency. Through these functions, MOPT supports economic development and mobility for the country’s population.

As a central authority within the Costa Rican executive branch, MOPT holds a regulatory role that distinguishes it from private sector operators and other government agencies. Its mandate includes coordinating with municipal governments, private contractors, and international partners to deliver large‑scale projects that meet national standards. The ministry’s work is guided by legislation that defines its authority over land use, environmental considerations, and technical specifications for public works. This positioning enables MOPT to influence both short‑term service delivery and long‑term infrastructural planning.

In January 2023, MOPT experienced a ransomware attack that compromised approximately twelve of its servers, prompting preventive suspensions of some affected systems. Authorities confirmed that no critical services were disrupted and that operational protocols were activated to maintain continuity while minimizing user impact. The incident was disclosed to the public after a delay and marked the first government‑targeted cyberattack of the year in Costa Rica. It followed a series of similar breaches that had previously affected institutions such as the finance ministry and the social security agency. The response highlighted the ministry’s incident‑management procedures and underscored the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by public sector entities.