What Progress is Being Made on the Trilateral Highway Project in Myanmar?
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Synopsis
India's Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, has taken significant strides in assessing the Kalewa-Yagyi road project, a key segment of the Trilateral Highway. This initiative promises to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen trade ties between India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Key Takeaways
- India's Ambassador to Myanmar is assessing the Kalewa-Yagyi road project.
- The project is part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- It aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade.
- India is constructing vital sections and bridges.
- Local communities are engaged in the project’s development.
Naypyidaw, July 31 (NationPress) In a crucial move towards bolstering regional connectivity, India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, along with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), visited the Kalemyo area in Southeast Asia to evaluate the Kalewa-Yagyi road project, which is part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
"Advancing the Kalewa-Yagyi road project, which is integral to the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, Ambassador Abhay Thakur, along with NHAI representatives, visited Kalemyo yesterday to engage with project construction teams and connect with the local community in the adjacent IMT segment," the Embassy of India in Myanmar shared on X.
"The Ambassador also interacted with the diaspora at the Kalemyo Durga Mandir," the post continued.
The 1360 km long India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is a collaborative initiative among India, Myanmar, and Thailand. India is engaged in the construction of two segments of the highway in Myanmar, which includes the 120.74 km Kalewa-Yagyi road and the building of 69 bridges along with the approach road on the 149.70 km Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road segment.
In May, during the inauguration of the Rising North East Investors Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which will facilitate direct access from Myanmar to Thailand, enhancing India’s connectivity with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
PM Modi noted that India’s trade with ASEAN nations, currently around $125 billion, is projected to surpass $200 billion in the forthcoming years, with the northeastern states serving as a vital trade bridge to Southeast Asian markets.
He highlighted the government's initiatives to accelerate the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, linking Kolkata Port to Myanmar’s Sittwe Port, creating an essential trade route through Mizoram. The Prime Minister asserted that this project would significantly shorten the travel distance between West Bengal and Mizoram, fostering trade and industrial development.
Earlier in April, during his trip to Thailand, both PM Modi and Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra agreed to enhance various connectivity modes—physical, digital, and financial—between India and Thailand. They aimed to strengthen regional linkages by expediting the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its eastward extension, as well as the India, Myanmar, and Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement. They also discussed improving regional maritime connectivity through coastal shipping and enhancing port-to-port connections, encouraging civil aviation authorities from both countries to continue dialogues to improve air connectivity.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. This initiative not only strengthens India's geopolitical stance in Southeast Asia but also facilitates economic growth and trade opportunities for India and its partners. The Kalewa-Yagyi road project's progress is pivotal in realizing these objectives.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kalewa-Yagyi road project?
The Kalewa-Yagyi road project is a significant infrastructure initiative under the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, designed to enhance connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
Why is the Trilateral Highway important?
The Trilateral Highway is crucial as it will facilitate trade and travel between India, Myanmar, and Thailand, strengthening regional economic ties.
What role does India play in this project?
India is actively involved in the construction of key segments of the Trilateral Highway, including the Kalewa-Yagyi road and several bridges.
How will this project benefit local communities?
The project aims to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and stimulate economic growth in the local communities along the highway.
What are the long-term goals of the Trilateral Highway?
The long-term goals include increasing trade volume with ASEAN countries, enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering economic collaboration among India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
