An ambitious project to improve communication between India, Myanmar, and Thailand is the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway. As it passes through Myanmar, the highway that connects Bangkok, Thailand, and Kolkata, India, will promote better commerce and regional integration. This project, which is expected to be one of India’s longest highway projects, is a component of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and supports the country’s Look East Policy.
Kolkata to Bangkok: A New Trade Highway: 10 Key Points To Know
- Project Overview: The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, aims to improve communication and trade between India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- Route: The highway will connect major cities including Kolkata in India, Yangon in Myanmar, and Bangkok in Thailand, spanning 2,800 miles.
- BIMSTEC Initiative: This project is part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and supports India’s Look East Policy.
- Start and Purpose: Initiated in 2002 under former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the highway is designed to foster regional collaboration and economic progress.
- Completion Date: The highway is expected to be completed by 2027, despite facing several challenges and delays.
- Economic Impact: The highway will enhance trade between India and ASEAN countries, strengthening economic ties and increasing trade volumes.
- Major City Connections: The highway will connect key cities like Bangkok, Mandalay, Yangon, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kohima, and Siliguri, improving regional accessibility.
- Travel Alternatives: Upon completion, the highway will offer an alternative travel route between Kolkata and Bangkok, potentially reducing travel costs.
- Strategic Importance: The highway is a critical link in the East-West Corridor and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, enhancing connectivity to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
- Regional Collaboration: The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway symbolizes regional progress and collaboration, transforming commerce and travel in Southeast Asia.
The reason behind the highway
The Trilateral Highway was designed to foster amicable relations between Thailand, Myanmar, and India. It was started in 2002 under the direction of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The project’s goal is to seamlessly link the three countries, promoting regional collaboration and economic progress. The roadway, which will provide a new dimension to commerce and transport in the area, is anticipated to be finished by 2027 despite encountering several difficulties and delays.
There are expected to be a number of advantages from the completion of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, especially in terms of commerce and connectivity. Here are a few of the main benefits:
Trade will expand as a result of the expressway, strengthening economic relations and increasing trade volumes between India and the ASEAN countries.
Major city connections: The highway will connect Bangkok, Mandalay, Yangon, Kolkata, and other significant cities in the three nations. Towns in India such as Guwahati, Kohima, and Siliguri will also be linked, improving regional accessibility. As a vital connection in the East-West Corridor and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, the highway will increase connectivity to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
Increased alternatives for travel: When the highway is completed, drivers will have a driving route between Kolkata and Bangkok as an alternative to flying, which might result in lower travel expenses.
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Important information
Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, often known as the Trilateral Highway
2,800 miles in length, covering Thailand, Myanmar, and India
Projected completion date: 2027
The highway between Bangkok and Kolkata’s route
Many cities in India, Myanmar, and Thailand will be crossed by the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway. Among the principal cities along the route are:
Thailand: Mae Sot, Sukkhothai, and Bangkok
Myanmar: Tamu, Mandalay, Kalewa, and Yangon
India: Kolkata, Siliguri, Moreh, Guwahati, Kohima, and Srirampur
In order to maximize connection and enable easy travel between the three countries, the highway is split up into several sections. When the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway is finished, it will represent regional progress and collaboration and change the face of commerce and travel in Southeast Asia.
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