Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has launched emergency measures to prevent and curb railway accidents following the recurrence of frequent accidents on Cambodian railways.The Ministry in collaboration with Cambodian railway companies held a joint conference on Friday to explain the measures they are taking to strengthen railway safety. Minister of Public Works Peng Ponea said that on the way from the capital city to the countryside, there are hundreds of railway crossings. He noted people sometimes cross the railway carelessly without checking. He added there are obstructions like trees that block visibility or cover traffic warning signs at crossings – all factors leading to accidents. He noted public education is key to preventing accidents. He expressed regret for the recent accident between a train and a bus on the road to La’eang in Bom Nok village, Chheu Tom commune, Krakor district, Pursat province that happened on March 29, 2024. That crash injured 18 of the 45 bus passengers. He added that after the incident Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered the Ministry of Public Works and Transport along with Cambodia railway companies to take urgent measures to improve traffic safety at railway crossings. Ponea said that the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh-Poipet railway routes have 975 crossings. He added that the Ministry and railway companies have put in place three emergency measures to improve traffic safety.The first is to increase the safety of railway infrastructure, the second is to install clear traffic signs to alert drivers that there is an upcoming railway crossing, and the third is to improve public education. Ponea said, “A professional team must inspect all locations, especially the most problematic places, and decide which locations should install security barriers and signals.” John Guiry, chief executive of Royal Railway, said the company will put up warning barriers wherever there are dangerous crossings and incorrect crossings will be closed to traffic. Kim Pagna, director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation said that the Ministry of Railways should install alarm signal lights at railway crossings. He suggested additional precautions, such as train drivers slowing down as trains approach the city area.