The railway overhaul began near the Thai border years ago and reached the place where the bamboo trains operate in September, Railroad Department director Chan Samleng says.

Norry operators have been told to stop but have defied the ban, he says.

"According to the law, they have no rights to operate norry on the railways," he says.

The rail from Phnom Penh to Thailand is slated for completion by the end of next year, Chan says.

Bamboo train operator Ngul Nguon acknowledges drivers were ordered to desist but ignored the prohibi

tion because they don't have other work.

"I'm really concerned about when this railroad is closed because I'm a bit old and don't know what to do," the 56-year-old father of three says.

He earns $5 to $15 a day.

Driver Sokun Koeun says operating norry is the only skill he has to feed his wife and two children.

"I'm very worried about the ban," the 36-year-old says.

"I don't know what to do next."

English-speaking tour guide Tep Tin believes the ban will directly affect drivers and snack and souvenir vendors around the unique attraction.

"It will affect their daily incomes because tourists come to Battambang to ride norry," the 52-year-old says.

He predicts tourism will decline without the trains.

Xinhua