Traffic on Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia rises during Pchum Ben festival

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The number of vehicles traveling on the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia increased during the three-day traditional Pchum Ben festival, or Ancestor's Day, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

Phan Rim, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said a total of 62,291 vehicles had travelled on the expressway during the holiday from Sunday to Tuesday, representing a 6.5 percent rise from 58,489 during last year's festival.

He said the expressway has played an important role in facilitating travel and goods transport from Phnom Penh to the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk effectively.

"With the expressway, Preah Sihanouk province has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia," he told Xinhua.

The expressway was officially opened to traffic in November 2022.