Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) led an inter-ministerial technical inspection of the proposed Koh Khsach Tonle bridge site in Kandal province to gather engineering measurements, engage local authorities, and inform the project’s feasibility study.
European Investment Bank (EIB) experts conducted a second technical mission to Cambodia under an EIB financing framework supporting the Koh Khsach Tonle bridge project. Project design parameters include a main bridge length of approximately 330 metres and connecting approach road works of about 305 metres.
The planned crossing will span the Bassac River to link Koh Khsach Tonle with National Road 21, improving connectivity for agricultural value chains and integrating the island into the national transport network to support sustainable economic activity.
Key Developments
On 7 September 2026, State Secretary Nou Sovath, acting as project director, led an inter-ministerial team to conduct the on-site inspection in S’ang district, Kandal province. The inspection mission collected technical data and held discussions with provincial authorities and other stakeholders to add inputs for the project’s feasibility stage.
Institutional Role
The inspection involved technical representatives from MPWT, officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (including the department handling project-induced impacts), and Ministry of Agriculture participants linked to the ASPIRE-AT programme. International actors on the mission included EIB technical experts on their second mission, representatives of the EU Delegation in Cambodia, IFAD, and a contractor delegation from CHODAI Co., Ltd (Japan).
Operational Implications
Project planners anticipate starting construction in 2027, subject to completion of the feasibility study and financing arrangements. Once built, the bridge and its approaches are expected to establish a direct transport link between the island and National Road 21, shortening travel routes and improving access for agricultural producers and markets.
