PHNOM PENH:: Kandal provincial administration and a Chinese firm have discussed the construction project of a new lightweight railway connecting the Techo International Airport in Kandal province with Phnom Penh capital.

The discussion took place in a meeting between H.E. Kong Sophorn, Governor of Kandal province, and a delegation from China Metro in Kandal province on Aug. 22.

The new railway will be a new achievement for Kandal province, easing the transport of the locals and reducing traffic congestion in the province.

The Royal Government of Cambodia is working hard to develop the transport sector and welcomes all investments that contribute positively to the effort.

Encompassing 2,600 hectares in Takhmao town, Kandal Stung district of Kandal province, and Bati district of Takeo province, the Techo International Airport is expected to put into operation in 2025.

Kandal Province, located at the heart of Cambodia's economy with its surrounding territory of the nation's capital, holds a dominant position in the country's garment manufacturing industry, along with numerous other manufacturing and service businesses.

As of July, the construction of Techo International Airport is now over 50 percent complete for the first phase and is expected to be put into operation in 2025.

Once the first phase is completed, the Techo International Airport will be able to welcome large aircraft with 32 parking lots, accommodate from 13 million to 15 million passengers a year, and handle 175,000 tonnes of air cargo annually by 2024.