Cambodia operates a limited railway network, recently rehabilitated, consisting of two main lines: the Southern Line (Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville) and the Northern Line (Phnom Penh-Poipet/Thailand).
Network Configuration (2023)
| Network Type | Length (km) | Gauge | Status | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Line | 264 | 1,000 mm | Active | Mixed Traffic |
| Northern Line | 386 | 1,000 mm | Active | Limited Service |
| Branch Lines | 12 | 1,000 mm | Limited | Industrial |
| Total Network | 662 | Meter Gauge | Operational | Mixed |
Technical Infrastructure
| Parameter | Specification | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Gauge | 1,000 mm | Meter Gauge | All Lines |
| Maximum Speed | 70 km/h | Operating Rules | Main Lines |
| Axle Load | 20 tonnes | Current | Main Routes |
| Signaling | Basic | Manual | Network-wide |
| Track Type | Single Track | – | All Lines |
| Rail Weight | 43 kg/m | Standard | Main Lines |
Major Routes
| Route | Length (km) | Status | Traffic Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville | 264 | Active | Freight/Limited Passenger |
| Phnom Penh-Poipet | 386 | Active | Freight/Limited Passenger |
| Industrial Spurs | 12 | Limited | Freight |
Traffic Statistics (2023)
| Service Type | Annual Volume | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger | 150,000 | Growing | Limited Service |
| Freight | 500,000 tonnes | Growing | Port Connection |
| Container | 25,000 TEU | Growing | Port Traffic |
| Total Freight | 650,000 tonnes | Growing | Combined |
Rolling Stock Fleet
| Type | Quantity | Average Age | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locomotives | 15 | 10 years | Good |
| Passenger Coaches | 20 | 8 years | Good |
| Freight Wagons | 200 | 12 years | Mixed |
| Service Vehicles | 10 | Various | Operational |
Development Projects (2024-2030)
| Project | Type | Investment ($M) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Upgrade | Infrastructure | 120 | Planning |
| Rolling Stock | Expansion | 80 | Proposed |
| Signaling | Modernization | 45 | Planning |
| Station Upgrade | Facilities | 35 | Ongoing |
International Connections
| Border Point | Country | Status | Traffic Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poipet | Thailand | Active | Freight/Passenger |
| Vietnam Link* | Vietnam | Planned | Future |
| *Proposed project |
Infrastructure Investment (2024-2028)
| Category | Amount ($M) | Priority | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Renewal | 120 | High | 2024-2026 |
| Rolling Stock | 80 | High | 2024-2027 |
| Signaling | 45 | Medium | 2025-2027 |
| Stations | 35 | Medium | 2024-2028 |
Technical Standards Implementation
| Standard Type | Reference | Application | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track | ASEAN | Infrastructure | Progressive |
| Safety | National | Operations | Current |
| Rolling Stock | Regional | Equipment | Developing |
| Maintenance | National | Infrastructure | Active |
Regional Integration Projects
| Project | Partners | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand Link | Thailand | Active | Regional Connection |
| Vietnam Link | Vietnam | Planned | Future Connection |
| ASEAN Rail | ASEAN | Concept | Regional Network |
Environmental Considerations
| Aspect | Focus | Status | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Resilience | Critical | Active | Ongoing |
| Flood Protection | Important | Active | Continuous |
| Environmental Impact | Required | Planning | Progressive |
| Forest Protection | High | Active | Continuous |
Challenges and Solutions
Current Challenges:
- Infrastructure condition
- Technical capacity
- Investment needs
- Climate impacts
- Operational efficiency
- Market development
Implementation Strategy:
- International cooperation
- Phased modernization
- Technical training
- Investment sourcing
- Regional integration
- Capacity building
Standards and Regulations:
- Technical Standards
| Standard | Description | Application |
|—|—|—|—|
| ASEAN | Regional | Progressive |
| National | Operations | Current |
| Safety | Operations | Mandatory | - Safety Standards
| Standard | Scope | Implementation |
|—|—|—|
| National Safety | Operations | Current |
| Regional | Guidelines | Developing |
| Environmental | Protection | Required |
Unique Features:
- Recent rehabilitation
- Port connection
- Regional links
- Development potential
- Tourism potential
- Strategic location
The network continues development focusing on:
- Infrastructure improvement
- Regional integration
- Capacity enhancement
- Technical upgrading
- Safety improvement
- Service reliability
This profile reflects Cambodia’s railway system revival and its growing importance in regional connectivity and economic development.
