Royal Railway Cambodia to Introduce High-Speed Train Network in June

• 24 April 2024
• Local News
• 4915 Views

Royal Railway Cambodia has announced plans to revolutionise Cambodia’s transportation sector with the launch of high-speed trains connecting Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Poipet by June 2024, as reported by Apsara TV on 22 April 2024.

The upcoming trains, ordered from Japan, are set to operate at speeds ranging between 90 and 110km per hour, a significant improvement compared to the current speed of 50km per hour. John Guiry, CEO of Royal Railway Cambodia, revealed that the company has invested in 11 locomotives from Japan, equivalent to five trains, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 700 passengers across both routes.

These modern trains will feature air conditioning and premium seating options, ranging from 24,000 to 40,000 riels per seat, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Initially, the trains will operate during daytime hours, with plans to introduce overnight services with sleeping accommodations in the near future.

An exciting aspect of this initiative is the acquisition of 11 locomotives from Japan, which are the first of their kind, manufactured in 1979, capable of independent operation without the need for external locomotives. These state-of-the-art trains are expected to arrive in Cambodia imminently.

In addition to the initial five trains, Royal Railway Cambodia is also exploring the purchase of over 200 locomotives and carriages to further enhance the transportation infrastructure in the country.

Cambodia’s railway network currently spans 650km, connecting regions in the south and north. As outlined in the Comprehensive Master Plan on the Cambodian Transit and Logistics System 2023-2033, the government aims to bolster the country’s transportation infrastructure with investments in roads, bridges, ports, expressways, railways, airports, and logistics centres to support economic growth and development. (Read more)

With an estimated investment requirement of US$40 billion for the development of 174 priority infrastructure projects, Cambodia is poised to undergo significant transformation, positioning itself as a regional leader in transportation and logistics. (Read more)

• Investment and Funding
• Road and Infrastructure