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Trilateral Bangkok-Kolkata highway set to be completed in 3-4 Years

2023-06-15

The commerce ministers of the countries and provinces in the region attending the business conclave organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the trilateral highway connecting Bangkok with Kolkata, a key component of the BIMSTEC project, could be completed within the next three to four years.

The proposed project plan outlines that the trilateral highway will commence from Bangkok and pass through cities such as Sukhothai and Mae Sot in Thailand, Yangon, Mandalay, Kalewa, and Tamu in Myanmar before reaching India. In India, the highway is expected to pass through Moreh, Kohima, Guwahati, Srirampur, Siliguri, and ultimately Kolkata, covering a total distance of just over 2,800 km. The longest stretch of this highway will be in India, while the smallest stretch will be in Thailand.

The Thai vice minister of foreign affairs, Vijavat Isarabhakdi, confirmed that the Thai portion of the highway has already been completed. Aung Naing Oo, the Myanmar commerce minister, expressed optimism that the portion of the highway in his country would be ready within three years.

Isarabhakdi emphasised that the trilateral road connectivity up to Kolkata is progressing as planned. He stated, "The highway, starting from Bangkok, will reach its conclusion in Kolkata. Regarding the Thai section, the highway is nearly finished." The Thai minister noted that the completion of the entire highway, which could span over 2,500 kilometers, relies on the progress made in Myanmar and the Indian section.

Shashi Panja, the commerce and industries minister, expressed the state's anticipation for the road link during her presence at the conclave.