Background
As an arterial transport corridor in eastern Cambodia, National Road 71C links provincial centres, national routes and border-oriented corridors that serve commerce, tourism and freight movements. National Road 71C runs 114.62 kilometres between National Road 7 at PK150+700 in Tbong Khmum province and National Road 71 at PK30+400 in Kampong Cham province.
The alignment connects with National Roads 7, 73, 71 and 277 as well as multiple local connectors, enabling routes toward adjacent provinces and border crossings with Vietnam. The route was officially opened for use on 12 April 2025.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) identifies the corridor as a strategic link within the national road network and responsibilities for construction, maintenance and operational oversight rest with national and subnational road agencies. The route functions as part of the national network of arterial roads designed to integrate provincial markets with main highways and international border links.
Operational Implications
The MPWT statement highlights anticipated operational benefits including faster travel for residents and reduced transport costs for goods, with a focus on facilitating movement of agricultural inputs and produce. Improved route continuity between key national roads can alter freight routing patterns by offering a more direct link between production areas and regional markets.
Market Impact
By connecting agricultural and agro-industrial production zones to larger distribution corridors, the road supports more rapid shipment of planting materials and harvested crops to market centres and processing facilities. Enhanced connectivity with border-directed routes may also influence cross-border trade flows where road quality and continuity are decisive for transport logistics.
Source
Official announcement: Ministry of Public Works and Transport Facebook post, published 14 June 2026. Original source: MPWT Facebook.
