PM Hun Manet Calls for Railway Speed Upgrade to 80 km/h

• 8 November 2023
• Local News
• 1919 Views

In a visionary move to enhance Cambodia’s railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet has called for the acceleration of the country’s railway network, urging the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to reevaluate and upgrade the maximum speed of trains from 50 km per hour to an impressive 80 km per hour.

During a meeting with the diligent workforce of various factories and enterprises in the Special Economic Zone located in Preah Sihanoukville province, PM Hun Manet emphasised that this transformation of the railway system would have far-reaching implications. Not only will it facilitate the efficient movement of goods but also reduce shipping costs, resulting in substantial benefits for both businesses and the overall economy.

As the PM underscored, “Currently, our railways can only support 50 kilometres per hour. Now, we can update to track speed at 80 kilometres per hour. I have asked for studies on reducing road transport costs. So, if the railway works properly, we will be able to carry more and increase the freight on this railway.”

Cambodia’s railway network consists of two prominent lines: the first extends from the capital, Phnom Penh, to the coastal city of Sihanoukville, while the second runs from Phnom Penh to Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, near the Thai border. The railways have long served as essential transport arteries, connecting vital regions of the country.

In early 2023, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with Chinese enterprises, unveiled the results of a comprehensive study for the Phnom Penh-Poipet railway project. With an extensive length of 382 kilometres, this monumental endeavour is under the stewardship of the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). As Cambodia embarks on this bold journey to enhance its railway network, the nation is poised to attain unprecedented milestones in transportation efficiency and connectivity. (Read more)

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• Road and Infrastructure