Kolkata-Bangkok Highway: A New Gateway to Southeast Asia

The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, is a significant infrastructure project that aims to bolster connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. This ambitious initiative seeks to establish a seamless road link between the three countries, fostering greater trade, economic growth, and regional cooperation.

Stretching over 2,800 kilometers, the highway will connect Kolkata in India to Bangkok in Thailand, passing through key cities in Myanmar. While Thailand will have the shortest stretch, India will cover the most significant portion of the highway. This project aligns with India’s Look East Policy and is a key component of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Proposed by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002, the Trilateral Highway aims to strengthen relationships between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Despite facing various challenges and delays, the project is expected to be completed by 2027.

Key Benefits of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway:

• Enhanced Connectivity: The highway will connect major cities in India, Myanmar, and Thailand, including Bangkok, Yangon, Mandalay, Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kohima. This improved connectivity will facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
• Regional Integration: The highway will play a crucial role in the East-West Corridor and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy. It will provide access to neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, fostering closer regional integration.
• Alternative Travel Options: The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway will offer a viable alternative to air travel, allowing passengers to drive between the two cities. This could potentially reduce travel costs and provide a more scenic journey.
• Boosted Trade: The highway will promote trade between India and ASEAN countries, leading to increased exports and imports. This will strengthen economic ties and contribute to regional prosperity.
• Improved Infrastructure: The construction of the highway will require significant infrastructure development, including road widening, bridge building, and tunnel construction. This investment will benefit local communities and improve overall infrastructure in the region.

The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway is a testament to the commitment of India, Myanmar, and Thailand to regional cooperation and development. Once completed, it will serve as a vital artery connecting these countries, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and closer ties. The highway is expected to transform the landscape of Southeast Asia, paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous region.