The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, a landmark infrastructure project, is poised to significantly enhance connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Known as the Trilateral Highway, this ambitious venture is set to become a cornerstone of regional integration and economic collaboration.
Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometres, the highway will establish a vital link from Kolkata in India to Bangkok in Thailand, traversing through Myanmar. This extensive route is expected to streamline trade and bolster economic relations among the three nations. The project aligns with India’s Look East Policy and forms a key component of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The highway will see India managing the most extensive portion of the route, while Thailand will oversee the shortest segment.
Originally proposed by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002, the highway aims to foster amicable relations and facilitate seamless connectivity among India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The initiative is anticipated to play a crucial role in enhancing regional trade and economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges and delays, the project is on track for completion by 2027. Once operational, the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway is expected to be one of the longest and most significant highway projects in India, underpinning the country’s strategic vision for regional connectivity.
The Trilateral Highway represents a significant step forward in promoting cross-border integration and economic growth. By linking key economic hubs across the region, it promises to drive substantial benefits for the participating countries, paving the way for stronger trade ties and greater regional cooperation.
