Get ready for an astonishing revelation: a staggering 70% of the road connecting Kolkata to Thailand has already been constructed! This ambitious project, spanning a remarkable 1400 kilometers, aims to establish a vital highway linking India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Once completed, this roadway will traverse multiple states and bring forth unprecedented opportunities for cross-country exploration and commerce.

Starting its journey in the vibrant city of Kolkata, West Bengal, the road will enter Assam via Siliguri-Cooch Behar, before reaching the capital of Manipur, Imphal, through Dimapur and Nagaland. From there, it will seamlessly connect to Myanmar via the bustling border town of Moreh. The road's path continues, venturing into Myanmar, passing through the cities of Bago and Yangon, and eventually culminating in the enchanting landscapes of Thailand.

Just imagine embarking on an epic road trip, seamlessly traversing three different countries, from the comfort of your own car or bike. Gone will be the days of relying solely on air travel for international adventures. While covering a maximum distance of 1400 kilometers may take approximately 20 to 25 hours, this journey promises to be a thrilling experience for avid road-trippers, filled with unforgettable adventures and scenic vistas.

However, beyond the allure of adventure, the construction of this road serves a far greater purpose. It seeks to bolster the infrastructure of India's North East region, providing a crucial avenue for economic growth and development. By facilitating the transportation of Indian products to Asian countries through road networks, this project aims to foster greater trade opportunities and position India as a formidable competitor to China in the Asian market. As the market for Chinese products saturates other Asian nations, this road will allow Indian goods to capture the attention of consumers in these countries, creating new avenues for growth and prosperity.

So, let us eagerly await the completion of this monumental project and embrace the transformative possibilities it brings. In the not-too-distant future, we will have the privilege of embarking on this remarkable journey, connecting nations, forging bonds, and reshaping the landscape of trade and travel. Get ready to hit the road and experience the adventure that awaits!

Writer : Dr. Dipu Siddiqui Associate Professor and Chairman Department of Education Royal University of Dhaka Country Director MTV Network USA