KAMPONG CHAM, Cambodia, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nguon Phally, a roadside grilled chicken vendor along the section of National Road 7 here in central Cambodia, now enjoys smooth travel, clear traffic, and cleaner air following China-funded expansion and upgrade works on the once narrow and dusty road.
The 45-year-old vendor said the expanded highway has boosted local trade, streamlined agricultural transport, and accelerated regional tourism.
The 45.5-kilometer road section, stretching from the Skun Market roundabout to the Kizuna Bridge roundabout in Kampong Cham town, was upgraded and widened from two to four lanes by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) using a preferential loan from the Chinese government.
"It's comfortable for travelers because it has no potholes anymore," Phally told Xinhua on Wednesday. "Prior to the National Road 7 expansion, it was quiet. Now, a lot of people travel on it."
Unlike the old, congested road that made travel difficult and time-consuming, the expanded highway is vital for ensuring comfortable travel and efficient business operations.
"Since the expansion of National Road 7, our sales have been higher than before," she said. "I'm thankful to China for modernizing this National Road 7 section for Cambodia, allowing people to travel conveniently."
Kim Hongly, a vendor at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (Men's and Women's Hills) tourist attractions, said the National Road 7 section is essential for helping travelers reach popular tourist destinations like Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei.
"At the Phnom Pros Phnom Srei tourist sites, the number of tourists has increased thanks to this modernized national road. Over the weekend, many foreign tourists visited here," she told Xinhua. "This road has provided convenience to farmers in transporting vegetables, fish and meat to markets."
San Thou, a 45-year-old tuk-tuk driver who has operated in Kampong Cham town since 2013, said that previously passengers faced many difficulties because the road was bumpy and narrow. But now, it has been expanded beautifully, and traveling becomes much easier.
"We benefit a lot because previously, we took a long time to travel, but now the road is smooth, so we can travel fast," he told Xinhua. "Since this road section was expanded and upgraded, we can travel conveniently, and there is no more traffic congestion."
"People living on both sides of the road no longer suffer from flying dust," Thou said.
He said that the road is highly important because it connects the northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, and Kratie to the capital Phnom Penh.
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the expanded National Road 7 converted a heavily congested bottleneck into a modern transit corridor.
"Aligned with the government's view of roads as vital economic lifelines, this toll-free improvement slashes travel times from one hour to just 30 minutes," he told Xinhua. "The faster, cheaper routes allow local farmers to quickly transport agricultural goods such as cassava, cashews, and rubber to processing plants and markets."
As part of ASEAN Highway 11, this road section serves as a vital economic artery connecting key provincial routes, he said.
Mengdavid added that the expanded highway cuts travel time, lowers traffic accident rates through modernized lanes, connects local farmers directly to regional markets, and enhances cross-border logistics with neighboring countries.
"Ultimately, this enhanced infrastructure will drive local investment, create jobs, and solidify regional supply chain stability," he said. ■