The government views the construction of National Highway 48, linking National Road 10 to Pursat, Battambang and Pailin provinces and further connecting Cambodia's coasts to Thailand, as a crucial economic artery for the country.
The highway has already made significant strides in enhancing national communication and integration, particularly with the deep-sea port in Sihanoukville.
It has expedited trade and investment, while also enabling more efficient, quicker and cost-effective transport of agricultural and agro-industrial crops.
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the road also forms part of the ASEAN Highway 123 and the southern corridor of the Greater Mekong Subregion (R10).
The ministry further stated that the road would enhance the tourist potential of sites in Koh Kong province, including Kiri Sakor, now a prime tourist attraction.
In addition to fostering economic development along the border with neighbouring countries, National Highway 48 spans 148km, beginning at the junction with National Road 4 and concluding in Koh Kong provincial town.
Construction on the road commenced on January 3, 2022, and is projected to be completed in June 2024. The expected cost of this infrastructure project is pegged at $65.14 million.
