Cambodia and Thailand have officially reached a deal to connect rail transport between the two neighbours, yet there remains pending technical work to make the service happen.
The update was shared by H.E. Va Sim Sorya, spokesperson at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, stressing that detailed technical discussion between the two sides are going on, including the firm licensed to handle the service.
Rail transport is emerging as a priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia, not only for people’s connectivity, but also for an economic drive.
Cambodia and Thailand have entered a cooperative agreement to link rail transport between the two Kingdoms on April 22 towards mutual benefits.
In his remarks during the signing of bilateral railway cooperation with Thailand, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen considered rail transport as a cost-effective and safe means connecting Cambodia and its neighbouring countries as well as other nations within the region.
He added that railway, therefore, can contribute significantly to further promoting Cambodia’s economic performance.
Although there are areas to improve to bring it to a higher standard, the government has a clear vision and planning to broaden its connections and make the means a preferred transport among the public, continued Samdech Techo.
Cambodia’s railway was damaged and its function was halted following the Kingdom’s civil war in the 1970s.
Understanding its significant role, the government rehabilitated and reactivated the railroads connecting Phnom Penh capital to the southern provinces in 2016 and to northern areas in late 2018.
Particularly for Cambodia-Thailand railway connection, said Minister of Public Works and Transport H.E. Sun Chanthol, presents possibly immense tourist and trading opportunities.
The trip can start from Preah Sihanouk province or Phnom Penh capital all the way to the Cambodia’s border city of Poipet and Bangkok of Thailand, and possibly from the Thai capital to Malaysia and Singapore, he added.