The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is keen on accelerating the implementation plan for the urban light rail transit (ULRT) connecting Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) to the heart of the capital of Siem Reap province. ULRT is a passenger rail carrier that operates at high speed. Peng Ponea, Minister of MPWT and also Deputy Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Commission of ULRT yesterday took part in the meeting with the representatives of China Metro Group (CMG) under the leadership of Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), The meeting was held to accelerate the implementation of the light rail development project connecting the SAI to the town of Siem Reap following the recommendations of Prime Minister Hun Manet in response to the growth of the tourism industry and transportation services since the official launch of the new airport operation on November 16. The discussion held at the CDC conference hall in Phnom Penh also focused on the examination of the project to avoid any disturbance in the Angkor Wat area, an archaeological site within the conservation of the Apsara Authority. It saw the participation of senior officials, leaders and members of the Inter-Ministerial Commission and representatives from relevant institutions. During the ‘Third Belt and Road Forum’ held in Beijing on October 17, Li Kuo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CMG informed Mr Hun Manet about the company’s plans to develop a light rail system for Cambodia’s two newest international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The Chinese businessman discussed with the Premier the potential of the light rail project that connects the airports to their nearby cities. He also mentioned his company’s interest in examining traffic congestion solutions to facilitate transportation part in the Kingdom as well. In the mid of August, CMG which evinced interest in building a high-speed Light Metro Rail in Siem Reap sought more data to complete a feasibility study on the project. The request was made by officials of CMG at a consultation meeting on the railway organised by MPWT, at Siem Reap Provincial Hall.The company sought complete data and information from the Cambodian government as the railway will pass through Angkor and can affect the archaeological site or the protected areas marked by the Apsara Authority. Speaking to Khmer Times, Duch Sareth, Managing Director of Angkor Destination Travel said, “Siem Reap province is receiving a good number of international tourists since the operation of SAI airport last month, especially from the United States and European member countries.” He added that Americans, French and Germans stand on the top tire of tourists visiting the province.