Transport boost for South East Asian tourism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rail travel into Cambodia from other Asian countries could be a possibility again by 2013 thanks to a new loan from the Asian Development Bank.
Cambodia is a popular destination for backpackers, as it sits between tourism hotspots Vietnam and Thailand. The country's railway is currently in tatters but the extra funds will allow the rebuilding of track that historically linked Cambodia with Thailand, and the construction of a new maintenance facility outside Phnom Penh. In June, Cambodia announced that an Australian venture would be responsible for managing the railway system to attract more tourism and boost trade.
"This upgraded rail network will position Cambodia as a true sub-regional transport hub," said Peter Broch, senior transport economist in ADB's Southeast Asia Department. "Without this project the railway would cease to function."
Cambodia has two rail lines and approximately 600km of track, almost all of which is neglected - derailments are common and until recently trains were fitted with a front carriage that acted as a minesweeper. Scheduled passenger services in Cambodia have been nonexistent since the single service between Battambang and Phnom Penh reportedly ceased to function in early 2009 and backpacking guide Lonely Planet currently advises tourists to hitch on freight trains if rail travel is absolutely necessary.
By doubling the size of its $42m loan, the Asian Development Bank will be providing nearly 60 percent of the funding for a $141m project that promises to make the Cambodian rail system operational by 2013.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments