Trilateral Highway Connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand to be Operational in Near Future

A trilateral highway connecting three countries – India, Myanmar and Thailand shall be operational in the near future with the mission to enhance trade and regional cooperation between South Asia and South East Asia. The construction started in 2012 with the assistance of Thailand.

The Indian Government is likely to ink a strategic agreement later this year in November to put the 3200km long link road into operation. The highway will start from Moreh (India) through Myanmar and to Mae Sot (Thailand).

The highway is said to be a part of the Government’s “Look East” and “Act East” policy to bring attention and enhance development in the area. Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has shown immense interest to establish proper road network and infrastructure in this regard. According to certain Ministry Officials, this infrastructure will effectively enhance connectivity between Mekong sub-region and India eventually turning into a game changer for India’s Northeast region. Also, according to officials, the trilateral Highway is designed to bridge the gap in economies between Asian and SAARC countries. It will be operational in the near future and a car rally is being planned to celebrate the occasion which will be held before March 2016.

Once operational, the sub-region will get more access to the large Asian markets through smooth cargo and passenger movement.

Recently, a section of the highway from Myawaddy-Thinggan Nyenaung-Kawkareik has been put into service. Myanmar Vice President U Nyan Tun, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Chairman of the Kayin National Union General Saw Mutu Sae Po attended an inaugural ceremony of the service on Sunday.

This 25.6km long section shall bring the travel time down to 45 minutes from 3 hours between Thinggan Neynaung and Kawkerik.