A notable emergence is inbound with the construction of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also referred to as the Trilateral Highway, which will, in all probability, expand the length, travel, and access of the three countries India, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Kolkata-Bangkok Highway

The highway will run from India’s Kolkata across Myanmar to Bangkok. This endeavor aims to enhance trade relationships and further the political integration of the region.

The Times of India states that ‘this project is part of India’s Own Project Look East, and it is an undertaking of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Once completed, it will be one of the longest highway projects in India.

The earliest idea of the Trilateral Highway was introduced by the earlier Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in the year two thousand two. This design looked towards fostering relations between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The project aims to improve access to and from these countries effectively for the success of economic activities and initiatives for regional integration.

Although the construction of the highway has been beset with challenges and delays, the road is expected to be viable by twenty-seven. Of the 2800 km stretch, Thailand will have the shortest distance, whilst India will have the longest.

Some of the key advantages of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway are:

Connecting Major Cities: The highway will serve to connect various major urban populations in Thailand, Myanmar, and India including Bangkok, Yangon, Mandalay, and Kolkata. In India, the cities of Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kohima will be included.

Strategic Role: It is further determined that this highway will be useful in the East to West Corridor, as well as in the Ayeyawady, Chao Phraya, and Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy which acts as a gateway to countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Alternative to Air Travel: This highway will also help in land travel once operational, thus making it possible for one to drive from Kolkata to Bangkok and making air transportation less necessary.

Boosting Trade: Regarding future expectations on the highway, it’s likely to increase trade with ASEAN states by India and thereby nourish further economic relations while opening up new business avenues.