The new Siem Reap airport as seen on June 28. - CAMBODIA AND PHNOM PENH SKYLINE VIA FB
PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network): The government is studying a possible light-rail line from Siem Reap town east to the new international airport, which remains on track to open in October, according to Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol.
The minister told reporters recently that all of the main work on Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport has been completed, and noted that the construction company is also building a road between the airport and National Road 6.
According to State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) undersecretary of state Sinn Chanserey Vutha, the airport is scheduled to open on Oct 16.
He told The Post on July 9 that the 24.5km “Airport Highway” – at the time 94 per cent complete and anticipated to be finished in September – will start near the national road’s kilometre-294 marker.
An official inauguration ceremony for the airport is slated to be held “under the presidency of [Prime Minister] Hun Sen and senior leaders of the government of the People’s Republic of China”, affirmed Chanserey Vutha, who is also the SSCA’s official spokesperson. He has not been able to name any of the expected Chinese dignitaries, though.
Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter chairman Thourn Sinan welcomed plans for the additional mode of travel to and from the airport, claiming that the proposed light-rail line may offer a glimpse of the kingdom’s development journey and reduce traffic congestion.
