Background
National road alignments connecting Battambang and Siem Reap function as key inter-provincial transport corridors that support movement of goods and people in western Cambodia. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport convened a technical review of Terms of Reference for AIIB-financed feasibility studies on 22 May 2026.
The review covered feasibility studies for two road alignments: a national connector between Battambang and Siem Reap, and National Road 60B. Terms of Reference specify the technical scope, study tasks, and consultant selection criteria used to commission feasibility and design work for major road projects.
Key Developments
The MPWT meeting was led by Secretary of State Sokhum Phkovontmuni and included deputy secretaries, director-level officials, project managers, and representatives from provincial public-works offices. Participants provided technical inputs to refine the TOR under the financing framework from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) ahead of consultant procurement.
Operational Implications
Finalised TOR will guide selection of a technical consulting team to perform the feasibility studies, which are expected to assess route alignment, engineering requirements, and resilience measures against climate hazards. Outcomes from the studies will inform subsequent design, procurement, and investment decisions for the two road alignments.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the lead national agency for preparing feasibility studies and coordinating provincial inputs for national road projects. Provincial MPWT offices provide local technical and implementation input during preparatory stages of road development.
