Railway Community

• Photographer
  Steff Gruber, Switzerland
• Category
  Asia

Over 300 families live in Phnom Penh's “Kilometer 6” commune, which is located alongside railway tracks. The families live in self-built shacks, usually consisting of a single room. Because of the lack of space, the residents spread out over the train tracks during the day, which are still in use. Every time they hear the train horns, they quickly gather up their cooking utensils, chairs, sunshades and children to clear the track. Like many landless poor Phnom Penh families, the Railway Community faces eviction, as the authorities are planning to build a concrete road along the railway line.