The CDC discuss the possible construction of a light rail network with China Metro Group and Guangzhou Metro group on March 18. CDC
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is conducting feasibility studies and examining proposals from a number of international companies who are considering investing in a light rail mass transit system in Phnom Penh.
The proposals include connections to the under-construction Techo International Airport (TIA).
On March 18, CDC first vice-president Sun Chanthol chaired an inter-ministerial working group meeting with Chinese firms China Metro Group and Guangzhou Metro Group to discuss possible mass-transit solutions.
Chanthol noted that the CDC has previously received several feasibility studies for a wide range of proposals, ranging from plans for an automated guideway transit (AGT) system from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to monorail and subway systems from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“It is important to consider every option and determine which is appropriate for Phnom Penh in terms of the size of the capital city now and in the future, as well as its population and the rest of the city’s transport infrastructure,” he said.
Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) vice-president Lim Heng said he is a stronger supporter of the development of new infrastructure by the government, especially travel infrastructure, which he believes will attract more foreign investment.
“Traffic congestion is an issue for the people living in Phnom Penh, and the construction of subways and flyovers will greatly facilitate traffic flow. It also demonstrates the growth of our economy,” he said.
At the same time, he expects the number of people travelling by public transport to increase, further helping to reduce congestion and reducing emissions.
According to the CDC, during his trip to the Chinese port city of Guangzhou in October last year, Chanthol visited a metro project built by Guangzhou Metro Group, with project management by China Metro Group.
The Guangzhou Metro has about 50 lines, with around 2,000km of track. Trains on the metro travel at up to 160kph, with modern digital systems monitoring and controlling the operation of the network.
