A newly built train service running from Poipet to Serei Saophoan in Banteay Meanchey province will open on Wednesday, offering three free round trips per day, a government official said on Monday.

The 48-kilometre track is set to be inaugurated at a ceremony presided over by Transport Minister Sun Chanthol, according to Chan Samleng, director of the Railroad Department at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

“It will be free service for the public, and passengers just need to make sure they have a ticket,” Samleng said yesterday.

While the route is a permanent addition, it will cost money to ride between the two cities after July 31, two days after the national elections.

The train will start with two carriages, one for passengers and another for goods, and riders will be able to load their motorbikes onto the train, Samleng said.