RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2252
TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

TRILATERAL HIGHWAY

2252. SHRI C.M. RAMESH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the aims and objectives of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral highway;

(b) the reasons why it is languishing for years and extending the deadline to 2020; and

(c) how crucial it is for India in view of improving close connections between India and ASEAN?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aims for greater connectivity and seamless movement of goods and traffic across the borders of the three countries. The project is expected to enhance physical connectivity, people-to-people linkages and promote tourism, trade and commerce to benefit India, in particular the North Eastern region of India, as well as Myanmar and other ASEAN States.

(b) The Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) Road, which is part of the Trilateral Highway, has been constructed and upgraded by the Government of India in 2009. Government of India is presently implementing two projects on the Trilateral Highway, namely (i) construction of 69 bridges including approach roads on Tamu- Kyigone- Kalewa (TKK) section, and (ii) construction/ upgradation of road on Kalewa-Yargi section of the trilateral highway in Myanmar. Both these projects pass through challenging geographical terrain that prolonged the process of project design and selection of executing agencies. The tendering process for both these projects has now been completed. The work for construction of 69 Bridges on TKK road has been awarded in September 2017 and the work for upgradation of Kalewa Yargi road section was awarded in December 2017.

(c) This trilateral highway is significant in enhancing India’s connectivity with ASEAN countries and contributing to stronger trade, business, people-to-people and tourism links with the ASEAN countries.

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