The proposed route of the line is from Phnom Penh to Poipet via Siem Reap. Poipet faces across the national border to the Thai town of Aranyaprathet while Siem Reap is just a few kilometres from the fabled temples of Angkor Archaeological Park.
Mr Chanthol explained that transport-ministry officials had held discussions with a number of private developers about the project. He said that despite the interest, he was not sure if the companies had the necessary capital or even if it would be a worthwhile investment.
During French colonial rule, two railway lines were laid in Cambodia. One was from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and the other from Phnom Penh to Battambang, Sisophon and Poipet. The last train to run on the Sisophon to Poipet tracks was in the 1940s.
After years of civil war and lack of maintenance, Cambodian railways pulled the plug on all services. The last train to run was on the Phnom Penh to Battambang line in 2009. The rail system was reborn in April when Royal Railways inaugurated a new weekend service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
Proposed Phnom Penh to Thailand hi speed rail link attracts interest
News in Asia
Cambodia’s transport-minister says a proposal to build a high-speed rail line from Phnom Penh to the Thai border has attracted lots of interest. Sun Chanthol told reporters last week that the project had drawn enquiries from private contractors.