Phnom Penh Plans to Build ‘Skytrain’

December 12, 2009

Phnom Penh will boast a state-of-the-art solar powered ‘skytrain’ similar to the elevated trams of Bangkok if plans discussed in a meeting on Monday are put into action. The developer claimed the new skytrain could carry over 600,000 people per day, with a possible capacity of over 1 million people by 2043.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) held a meeting presided over by MEF Minister Keat Chhon with the GREENCAMECO Company, according to MEF reports.
About 39 km of rail would be built around Phnom Penh, Richard Rory of GREENCAMECO said.
An addition 34 km would be covered by buses and solar power would be integral to the project, he added.
The four year project would take until at least 2014, with the first stage from 2011 to 2013. The total budget will be over US$3.6 billion, GREENCAMECO said. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the MFE Keat Chhon recommen- ded that “Before starting project, the company should survey extensively first, to protect any impact to the related railways of Cambodia.”
All designs and planning should be clear and support ease of access for all disabled Cambodian people, as well as children,” Keat Chhon added.
Rory said the project would support Cambodian development, inclu- ding public transport, road safety and less traffic jams.
The company should cooperate with the Ministry of Land Manage- ment, Urban Planning and Construc- tion together to better serve the public, Keat Chhon added.