Kratie, Cambodia – The construction of the highly anticipated bridge across the Mekong River in Kratie province is nearing completion and is expected to be temporarily opened for public use during the Pchum Ben festival in September 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
As of the latest inspection, the bridge project is 95.93% complete. The update was provided by Mr. Lim Sidenin, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Project Director, who recently led a delegation to inspect the progress of the bridge and its connecting road infrastructure. The project is being implemented with concessional financing from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Lim Sidenin affirmed, “If there are no unexpected delays, the bridge will be temporarily opened to the public during the Pchum Ben festival in September 2025.”
Strategic Role in Cambodia’s Pentagon Strategy
The Kratie Mekong River Bridge is regarded as a critical infrastructure project under the government’s Pentagon Strategy. In its first phase, the strategy prioritises five core sectors: People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and Technology—with roads and bridges playing a foundational role in national development.
In its second phase, the Pentagon Strategy emphasises improved connectivity and enhancing the efficiency of the transport and logistics sector. Mr. Lim Sidenin reiterated that roads and bridges serve as the “arteries of the national economy” and stressed the importance of this project in bridging Cambodia’s eastern and western regions.
The bridge will serve as a key connector between remote northeastern areas and urban centres, particularly linking Kratie to Kampong Thom and integrating with other major national roads across various provinces.
Land Resolution and Community Impact
During the visit, Mr. Lim chaired a meeting focused on resolving land impact issues related to the bridge construction. Representatives from the General Department for Dealing with Impacts Due to Development Projects under the Ministry of Economy and Finance handed over land plan documents that addressed the affected areas.
The meeting also underscored the importance of preserving public infrastructure land. Mr. Lim urged all stakeholders and local authorities to prevent illegal encroachment and ensure that any land development within road boundaries complies with national regulations. He stressed that any construction or land filling activities in such zones must receive prior approval from the relevant road authorities.
Project Benefits and Future Outlook
Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and improve accessibility for thousands of people living in rural and remote parts of Kratie and surrounding provinces. It will also ease the transportation of goods, agricultural products, and public services between regions.
This infrastructure is seen not only as a physical bridge over the Mekong River, but also as a symbol of socio-economic progress, connecting communities and supporting Cambodia’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable development.
As the temporary opening approaches in September 2025, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will continue overseeing final preparations to ensure safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency for all road users.
