A trial run along the proposed route was staged last December. This took place on the stretch of the route from Imphal in northeast India to Myanmar’s second biggest city, Mandalay.
From Mandalay, the proposed route will then travel to Myawaddy on the Thai border. On the Thai side, the highway will extend from Mae Sot down to Bangkok. MoRTH’s spokesperson explained that what has been christened the IMT Highway would provide a practical link between the three nations.
The spokesperson noted that the highway would pave the way for the convenient transportation of cargo as well as give additional options for people travelling between the trio of countries. The highway is expected to be open for private cars in addition to overland bus travel.
The IMT Highway is not open yet and each of the three countries still operates their own bus routes. 12GO ASIA offers tickets for travel to Mae Sot and the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge from the likes of Khon Kaen and Bangkok.
India says highway to Thailand is close to reality
News in Asia
India’s highways division says it is about to sign an accord that will see it gain a highway to Thailand. A Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) spokesperson said negotiations between India, Myanmar and Thailand were at an advanced stage and a basic blueprint had already been agreed on.