The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, is a major infrastructure project that will boost connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
The highway will go from Kolkata, India, to Bangkok, Thailand, passing through Myanmar, allowing better trade links and regional integration.
According to TOI, Thailand will receive the shortest stretch of this 2,800 km long highway whereas India will have the longest coverage.
This project, consistent with India’s Look East Policy, is part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Once completed, it is expected to be one of the longest highway projects in India.
The Trilateral Highway was proposed by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002 to promote amicable relations between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The project aims to establish seamless connectivity between the three countries, promoting economic growth and improving regional collaboration.
Despite multiple roadblocks and delays, the highway is anticipated to be completed by 2027.
Here are the key benefits of the upcoming Kolkata-Bangkok Highway:
Linking key cities: The highway will connect Bangkok, Yangon, Mandalay, and Kolkata, among other major cities in the three countries. In India, locations such as Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kohima will also be linked, improving regional accessibility.
The highway will play an important role in the East-West Corridor and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, providing access to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Better travel alternatives: Once operational, the route will give an alternative to air travel by allowing passengers to drive between Kolkata and Bangkok, potentially lowering travel expenses.
A rise in trade: The highway will promote a rise in exports and imports between India and ASEAN countries, hence improving economic connections and increasing trade volumes.
Furthermore, the highway is separated into sections that have been meticulously planned to maximise connectivity and allow for smooth transit between the three countries. Once completed, the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway will serve as a symbol of regional collaboration and progress, altering Southeast Asia’s commercial and travel scene.
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