Background
On 28 September 2026 the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) led a kick-off meeting to start a preliminary study on improving Cambodia’s railway infrastructure and sector management. The meeting brought together senior MPWT officials, representatives of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), consultants from Nippon Koei, and technical rail specialists.
The study scope includes prioritization for rehabilitating existing rail lines, assessment of urban rail systems, review of a draft rail law, development of technical standards, and strengthening of sector management and safety capacity. Participants discussed carrying out site surveys, establishing technical working groups, and arranging a study visit to Japan to inform technical and institutional recommendations.
Key Developments
Secretary of State Koy Sudani chaired the meeting in-person and by video link, and publicly thanked MLIT and JICA for their ongoing support. The agenda focused on defining study tasks, confirming locations for field surveys, and agreeing roles for the consulting team led by Nippon Koei.
Institutional Role
JICA and Japan’s MLIT provided technical cooperation and advisory support during the discussions, while Nippon Koei participated as the technical consultant for the preliminary study. MPWT positioned itself as the lead Cambodian agency responsible for coordinating inter-ministerial inputs and next-stage implementation planning.
Operational Implications
Operational steps discussed include assembling technical working groups, scheduling site assessments of existing rail corridors, and planning a technical study visit to Japan to review standards and management practices. These tasks are intended to produce prioritized rehabilitation options and inputs for legal and technical frameworks that MPWT may use in later project stages.
