Still no train between Thailand and Cambodia

[geovalin]

The train service between Cambodia and Thailand, which was expected to begin operations early this year, seems to be delayed indefinitely due to a contentious one-kilometer stretch of track in Poipet City. “We are still in the blur of the exact date of the launch of the train service and I can’t give a definite time period,” Chan Kimleng, director of the railway department at the Ministry of Public Works, told Khmer Times.

 

“The ceremony to link railway lines from Thailand and Cambodia cannot go on at the moment because on our part constructions are stalled. “We can’t lay tracks on a length spanning 1,300 metres due to the presence of some ‘unauthorised’ buildings right in the middle of the track area,” Mr Kimleng said.

 

“We still haven’t come to a compromise on the compensation for people living along this slightly over one-kilometre track,” he added. “That seems to be taking a long time.” The Cambodia-Thailand train service will connect Phnom Penh and Bangkok and the Poipet border crossing in Banteay Meanchey is the gateway to the Thai town of Aranyaprathet.

 

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/39753/still-no-train-in-sight/

 

 

-- © Copyright Khmer Times 28/06

[TrevorC]

‘unauthorised’ buildings right in the middle of the track area,” - Bring in the Army. I'm sure they could have it all bulldozed by the weekend.

[Boss]

Think they need the "44" there...

[Redline]

So, the buildings just appeared?  They can pay them, or arrest them for something and take eminent domain.  It seems that works well

[Srikcir]

The delay in completion of this project is probably costing more than whatever compensation it would take to remove the obstacles. With only 1,300 meters needed to complete the project, the two governments need to put aside their egos to quickly get an amiable solution.

[Yme]

On 6/29/2017 at 11:24 AM, Srikcir said:

The delay in completion of this project is probably costing more than whatever compensation it would take to remove the obstacles. With only 1,300 meters needed to complete the project, the two governments need to put aside their egos to quickly get an amiable solution.

The 1,300 m only connects to the two sides. It doesn't connect through to Phnom Penh. The connection is symbolics. Lot os unrepaired bridges and culverts still before a service will go to Phnom Penh.

[Sheryl]

It already goes PP-Battambang (though at a snail's pace) . Are you saying there are unrepaired bridges etc in the Battamabang - Poipet stretch?