Enhancing trade and connectivity, NHAI signs agreement for its first international project

New Delhi, April 13: With the aim to enhance trade, business, education and tourism the National Highway Authority of India has signed agreement for upgradation of Yagyi – Kalewa section of highway in Myanmar to two lanes with earthen shoulder.

 

This project is part of India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway and will be NHAI’s first international project. The agreement aims to provide seamless vehicular movement for enhancing trade, business, health, education and tourism between Indian, Myanmar and Thailand.

The project has been funded by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and would be executed on EPC mode at a cost of Rs.1177 crores.

The project will have 3 new major bridges and 2 new minor bridges. 4 existing major bridges and 9 existing minor bridges will be repaired and strengthened and 6 existing minor bridges will be reconstructed. The stretch will have 6 truck lay byes, 20 bus bays and passenger shelters and 1 rest area. The project would be completed in three years.

India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway

The IMT Trilateral Highway is regional highway being constructed under India’s Act East policy to boost connectivity in the region. It will connect Moreh in India with Mae Sot, Thailand via Myanmar. The highway is expected to boost trade and commerce in ASEAN–India Free Trade Area, as well as with rest of Southeast Asia.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) NHAI is an autonomous statutory agency of Central Government, responsible for management of network of over 70,000 km of national highways in India. It was established through NHAI Act, 1988. In February 1995, it was formally made an autonomous body. It is nodal agency of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for the development, management, operation and maintenance of National Highways.