Following a fatal accident that occurred yesterday, authorities are preparing to remove disused railway tracks near Phnom Penh International Airport.
The Department of Railways, under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Royal Railway Cambodia will conduct an on-site inspection of the tracks in front of the airport on Street 105, in the capital’s Por Senchey district.
Kim Mouy, a young medical student, reportedly lost control of her motorcycle, slipping on the wet rail lines in the rain. She was struck by a water delivery truck and killed instantly.
In response to the tragic incident, members of the public, officials, celebrities and journalists took to social media to urge the relevant authorities to dismantle the tracks to prevent future accidents.
Veteran actor Savin Phillip expressed his condolences over the death of the medical student.
“The public works ministry really should remove the railway line in front of Wat Tang Krasaing — it’s slippery every day. RIP to the young medical student,” he said.
Ratanakkiri provincial governor Nhem Sam Oeun also voiced his concerns.
“The ministry of public works should remove the railway line — motorbikes slip on it constantly, especially when it’s wet during or after rain,” he said.
The Por Senchey district administration responded to the concerns of the public.
“Regarding the section of railway lines along Tang Krasaing Street, the district administration and the Phnom Penh Department of Public Works and transport have proposed that the public works ministry expedite the removal of the tracks to ease public concern and avoid further risks,” it stated.
The district administration also extended its condolences to the grieving family.
Public works ministry spokesman Phorn Rim told The Post this morning, July 4 that plans are in place to take action.
“The railways department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will carry out this work with the Royal Railway company and will inspect then modify the track in question,” he said.
The Cambodian government, through Royal Railway Cambodia, built the track in 2017 to carry passengers from Phnom Penh’s central railway station to the international airport, in an effort to improve transport efficiency and ease traffic congestion.
The track connects with the existing main trunk line outside Tang Krasaing Khang Tboung pagoda, in Chamkar Ovleuk village of Kakab 2 commune, and runs for approximately one kilometre towards the airport.
It was constructed in the centre of Street 105 and included a road widening project to up to 14 metres, as well as drainage installation on both sides of the road to reduce local flooding.
