Royal Railway Cambodia conducted a trial run of the Kiha-183 train on the morning of Saturday, June 8, 2024. This trial was carried out on the southern Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh railway line to gradually check the operation of wheels, brakes, and other aspects to ensure passenger transport safety before the official launch.
Royal Railway Cambodia acquired 11 high-speed passenger locomotives of the KiHa 183 Series DMU from Hokkaido, Japan. The trains were shipped on April 15, 2024, and arrived at Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia, on April 27, 2024. These locomotives were ordered by Royal Railway Cambodia and have been adapted to fit Cambodia's railway tracks.
These locomotives will be used on the Northern Phnom Penh-Poipet Railway Line, Cambodia's first high-speed railway. With a capacity of 64 passengers, the KiHa 183 Series DMU can travel at speeds of up to 110 km/h. Once operational, the trains will charge a fare of US$10 for a one-way trip, such as the route from Phnom Penh to Poipet.
The Phnom Penh train station, recently renovated and renamed Royal Train Square, is currently being dismantled again for remodeling in 2024. This Art Deco-designed building has become one of the popular icons in Cambodia's capital city.
