Background
National Road 48 runs for approximately 148 kilometres between Srae Ambel and Khemara Phoumin in Koh Kong province. The roadway provides a continuous, paved corridor linking inland agricultural areas to the provincial capital and coastal transport routes.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced that the NR48 permanent upgrade was completed on 22 April 2025. MPWT describes the upgraded route as part of a strategic coastal transport network intended to facilitate movement of commercial goods, passenger travel, and connections to deep-water port facilities in the southern coastline.
Key Developments
MPWT posted that the upgrade project covered the full Srae Ambel–Khemara Phoumin alignment and concluded with permanent construction works in April 2025. The announcement indicates the project scope exceeded 148 kilometres and that the roadway has been delivered as a stabilized and paved national route.
Operational Implications
According to the ministry’s statement, the upgraded NR48 is intended to improve the reliability of freight and passenger transport along Cambodia’s southwest corridor. The ministry links the corridor to improved access for agricultural supply chains, coastal commerce, and tourism gateways that rely on road connections to seaports.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the national agency responsible for planning, constructing, and upgrading Cambodia’s classified road network, including national highways. MPWT notifications serve as primary administrative records for the status and operational condition of major road projects.
