Passenger trains run on trial from Cambodian capital to Thai border after 45-year hiatus

[geovalin]

PHNOM PENH, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's passenger train services ran on trial Wednesday on the 385-km track between Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and Poipet city on the border with Thailand after a 45-year hiatus, Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said.

 

"It's another historic day for our nation," he said during the launching of passenger train services on the last 166-km section of the rail line from Pursat province to Phnom Penh. "From now on, passengers can travel from Phnom Penh to Poipet city by train for the first time in 45 years."

 

He said in the near future, passengers will be able to travel by train from Poipet city to Thailand and from Thailand to Singapore.

Chanthol said Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith will visit Cambodia and hold talks with him to finalize the negotiations on the rail transport agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

 

"When the agreement is signed, we can travel and transport goods from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and Singapore," he said.

According to the minister, this rail line would play a key role in facilitating trade and the movement of people between Cambodia and Thailand, and train fares are much cheaper than those of buses.

 

He said the train's average speed is 40 km per hour.

Cambodia has two lines of railroads. The 385-km northern line runs from Phnom Penh to Poipet city in Banteay Meanchey province, and the 266-km southern line connects Phnom Penh to the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

 

The two lines, which had been built between 1929 and 1969, were damaged during decades of civil war.

In 2016, the passenger train services between Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk province resumed after a 14-year suspension due to poor railway conditions.

 

source http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/04/c_137300626.htm

 

[CLW]

That is great news. But why is the average speed still only 40 km/h?
One would would think they did some upgrade to the track as well to achieve let's say 80 km/h.

[mwbrown]

I hope the Thais upgrade the service from Bangkok to Poipet.  When I took it a few years ago it was 12 hours in a 3rd class coach, hard wood benches and no aircon.  Avoiding the Cambodian long-distance taxis by using this new rail service would make for a good trip from Bangkok to Phnom Penh.

[CLW]

I hope the Thais upgrade the service from Bangkok to Poipet.  When I took it a few years ago it was 12 hours in a 3rd class coach, hard wood benches and no aircon.  Avoiding the Cambodian long-distance taxis by using this new rail service would make for a good trip from Bangkok to Phnom Penh.

There should be some carriages leftover since they introduced the new Chinese sleepers for north and south connection.

[Jaggg88]

 

In comparison, the new Chinese bullet train has a design speed of 350 kph 

[Mickmouse1]

It sounds like the old 45 year old train is being used.I thought modern trains on new railway tracks with a reasonable speed of at least 100kmh. 

What is the point in using such a slow train? I would rather use a motorbike taxi 55?

[my friend I]

They are getting new trains. Delivery has been delayed.