Cambodia has boosted its economic potential with the unveiling of a third Phnom Penh ring road, a mega project co-funded by the government and China at a total cost of over $460 million.
Outgoing Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over the inauguration ceremony, in the presence of Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian.
Spanning 52.98km, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport said the newly minted road begins at the roundabout of the Win-Win Monument, only about 500m from National Road 4 in Chaom Chao III commune’s Chumpou Voan II village of the capital’s Por Sen Chey district. Its final destination is National Road 1 in Dei Ith commune’s Dei Ith village of Kandal province’s Kien Svay district, crossing several national roads along the way.
The construction work took four years and four months to complete, according to public works minister Sun Chanthol.
“This third ring road represents another stride towards Cambodia’s economic vibrancy, particularly benefiting Phnom Penh and Kandal province.
“It will accelerate goods transport, facilitate travel, alleviate traffic congestion, cut down on road accidents and ultimately save time,” he said.
Ambassador Wang shared his delight at returning to Kandal province after jointly breaking ground for the Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway with Prime Minister Hun Sen in June.
“In almost five years, I have witnessed Cambodia’s outstanding accomplishments – economic development and societal progression in Phnom Penh and beyond. The rapid emergence of high-rise buildings and street infrastructure is a testament to this,” he said.
Hun Sen said this third ring road has been built to cater to the people’s needs, highlighting that if the country was not progressing, the first and second ring roads would not exist.
He commended the public works ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Finance as well as relevant parties for their work and collaboration with Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), the ring road builder.
“This road is essential, stemming from the nation’s rapid growth. It intersects many national roads and eases travel … The quality of the ring road matches that of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway,” he said, while extending his gratitude to the Chinese government and people for contributing over $259 million towards the road’s construction.
