The Royal Railway of Cambodia (RRC) is gearing up for a significant investment to revitalize the northern railroad line, which is presently inactive. This initiative was unveiled during a presentation by the RRC’s CEO, John Guir, to key officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Tuesday.
Operating under the umbrella of the Royal Group, a leading domestic conglomerate, the RRC is responsible for managing Cambodia’s railway network. The discussion, led by Vasim Sorya, the Under-Secretary of State for the ministry, focused on the Royal Group’s proposed enhancements for the Phnom Penh-Poipet Northern Railway. The goal is to seek the ministry’s endorsement for the project.
While Vasim Sorya was unavailable for additional comments post-meeting, a statement from the ministry shed light on the proceedings. The Royal Group’s representatives delved into the current state of the railway, outlining a draft action plan and the anticipated budget for the project’s execution.
The ministry’s statement emphasized the proposal for a collaborative technical working group to conduct a thorough inspection and study. This group would be tasked with preparing and refining a comprehensive report on the railway’s condition and the proposed upgrades for the tracks, bridges, stations, and crossings.
Further discussions explored the potential for international passenger and freight services between Cambodia and Thailand, alongside domestic transport options from Phnom Penh to Poipet. This would enhance the diversity of transport services available in the region.
As the sole provider of train services in Cambodia, including both freight and passenger transport, Royal Railway plays a pivotal role in the nation’s transport infrastructure. The Southern Railroad, constructed between 1960 and 1969 and stretching 264 kilometers, along with the northern line, suffered extensive damage during periods of conflict but have since been restored to meet international safety standards. This restoration has been a collaborative effort between the RRC and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Looking ahead, the ministry has ambitions to transform both the Northern and Southern Railway Lines into high-speed rail corridors, potentially enabling speeds of up to 160km/h, marking a significant advancement in Cambodia’s railway infrastructure.
Source: Khmer Times
