Phnom Penh: The Minister of Public Works, Mr. Peng Ponea, conveyed his regret regarding the recent collision between a train and a bus in Pursat province on the morning of March 29, 2024. Addressing the press at a conference on "Management Plan and Measures to Solve Railway Safety" held on April 5, 2024, Minister Peng Ponea outlined urgent actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the accident, Prime Minister directives prompted immediate investigations by relevant ministries to identify underlying issues and propose effective solutions.

Minister Peng Ponea emphasized the ministry's commitment to bolstering railway safety infrastructure, including enhancing railway crossing mechanisms, augmenting traffic signage, and intensifying public awareness campaigns. Furthermore, the ministry is dedicated to implementing medium- and long-term strategies to enhance overall railway system efficiency.

John Guiry, CEO of Royal Railway, stressed the urgency of the situation by announcing the closure of certain private roads intersecting railway lines, including unauthorized routes. Guiry emphasized the importance of public education, noting that some road users lack understanding of essential safety protocols when traversing railways.

He said: "Every accident tuk tuk, motorbike or it be a truck, airplane or something. It's people that is something you cannot put a price on. The equipment we can buy or we can fix".

Presently, Cambodia boasts two operational railway lines: one connecting Phnom Penh to Poipet and the other linking Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, spanning a combined length of 652 km and comprising 975 intersections. Among these, 525 are public crossings, while 450 are private roads.