Set to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate a smoother cross-border trade in and around Phnom Penh, a third ring road, seen as a crucial link between the ASEAN Highway and the primary economic corridors of the Mekong Sub-region, is slated for its official inauguration on August 3.
This new route is an integral part of a drive for special regional integration and will undoubtedly give a boost to international trade.
Spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Heang Sotheayuth, elucidated that the $273 million roadway, spanning 53km, links National Road 4 in Chaom Chao III commune of Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district to National Road 1 in Dei Ith commune, Kien Svay district.
Breaking ground in January 2019, the road stretches over 15km within Phnom Penh and approximately 38km through Kandal province.
Offering a local perspective on this exciting development, the president of the Cambodia Logistics Association, Sin Chanthy said on July 25 that the road, boasting a width of up to 30m, is adorned with street lights in the town sections and beautifully lined with trees in the suburban areas.
“This road holds critical importance for transportation as it’s poised to alleviate travel issues and traffic congestion,” Chanthy added.
Speaking on behalf of the transport sector, he applauded the government’s recent strides, particularly in the realm of infrastructure, calling it an essential component of the economy.
“Swift transportation will spur economic growth as trade heavily relies on the transportation sector,” he asserted.
Echoing Chanthy’s sentiments, the vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, Lim Heng, pointed out the pressing need for developing countries like Cambodia to expand their cities, necessitating further infrastructure development.
“The third ring road is another significant economic trendsetter for Phnom Penh and Cambodia at large. Adding more roads currently is advantageous for the Cambodian economy,” he said.
He further explained: “The third ring road is a significant contribution to our transportation sector. Furthermore, it will aid in urban area expansion, allowing us to move factories out of town”.
Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, underscored the road’s importance for the transportation sector.
“This road also bears the potential to catalyse the establishment of new factories. Investors may consider setting up a factory along this road to simplify transportation and minimise time wastage,” he said.
The public works ministry informs that the third ring road will feature four flyovers crossing national roads 4, 3, 2 and 21, spanning a total of about 1,000m. It will also include six medium and short bridges and 113 drains of various kinds.
The $273 million project was financed through concessional funding from the Chinese government, with additional contributions from the Cambodian government to mitigate the impact.
