Construction of the Phnom Penh-Poipet high-speed railway will cost more than $4 billion and take about four years to complete.

On January 23, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol, met with experts from China Bridge and Road Corporation (CRBC) to review the preliminary results of a study to upgrade the Phnom Penh-Poipet Northern Railway to become Cambodia’s first high-speed railway.

According to the preliminary analysis, the project has a total length of 382 km, will cost more than $4 billion, including the head and carriage, and will take about four years to complete. The high-speed railway will also hit speeds of up to 160 km/h, and will have 33 stops. A total of 19 stations are outlined in the short-term plan, with 14 more planned for the long-term.

The line will also be equipped with electric locomotives and more than 300 overpasses will be built at road interactions to reduce traffic accidents. Also, there will be a separation between the passenger terminal and lifting station in Phnom Penh. One will be at Phnom Penh station for passengers and the other at Samrong station for loading and unloading.

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The upgrade of the Phnom Penh-Poipet Northern Railway to a high-speed railway is primarily focused on international passenger and freight services between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as passenger and freight transit.

The railway connects Phnom Penh to Poipet, traveling through the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, and Banteay Meanchey. Additionally, the project will be Cambodia's first high-speed railway, serving as a key passenger and freight route both inside the nation and beyond.

On December 17, CRBC asked the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to examine the feasibility of upgrading the Phnom Penh-Poipet North Railway. Approval was given for the study on January 6.