Toll Royal Railway opens Phase One of the Cambodian Railway

via CAAI

Toll Royal Railway, which won the contract to operate the Cambodia railway system, today declared the line between Phnom Penh and Touk Meas officially open.

The joint venture between Toll Group and local company Royal Group will manage the operation of the railway. Initially with limited operation on this section of the southern line, the volume of rail traffic will increase once all tests have been carried out. This section of the line will be extended to the Sihanoukville container port and is expected to be completed and fully functional by May 2011.

Wayne Hunt, CEO and president of Toll’s Global Logistics Division, which operates the railway, said: “Today marks a very important milestone in the ongoing development of Cambodia. With the launch of an operational rail freight service between Phnom Penh and Touk Meas, cargo can be transported more easily around this area whilst also reducing vehicle congestion and truck over-loading on the roads.

“This line is set to provide a valuable link to businesses throughout Cambodia, as well as linking up the country with the rest of South East Asia. Toll is particularly proud to be part of such an exciting time in Cambodia’s development, and will continue to work with the Cambodian government to support their commitment to road to rail transportation.

“We are also pleased to be working so closely with the Asian Development Bank and AusAID on this project which will open up opportunities for businesses throughout the length and breadth of the line,” he concluded.

David Kerr, CEO of Toll Royal Railway commented, “Toll Royal Railway is committed to the people of Cambodia, and we have so far employed over 150 staff. We hope to add to this as the business grows, giving opportunities for local people to develop their careers with an international company.”