The ascendency of India as an economic world power

Trans-Asian Railway Network is perhaps going to become the most important railway network in the world in terms of size and economic importance. There is enormous economic potential and the main problem is that until now, Asian countries have failed to realize the potential of regional cooperation. I am happy that India has signed the document and has become a part of Trans-Asian Railway Network.

I found a press release from Indian government and I am putting it here.

In line with the Government’s “Look East Policy” that requires strengthening of rail linkages in the region especially with our South East Asian neighbours, the Government of India has signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Trans-Asian Railway. The Agreement was signed by Shri J.P.Batra, Chairman Railway Board, Indian Railways, on behalf of Government of India on 29th June 2007 at UN Headquarters, New York. Earlier, 18 countries had signed the agreement at Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2006. Now with India and Bangladesh signing the agreement, a total number of 20 countries have become signatories of this agreement.

The total Trans-Asian Railway Network as finalised by the agreement has 80,900 Kms. of Railway line in 28 countries including 22,600 Kms. in South Asia, Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey. The Southern Corridor of the network as decided in an expert group meeting held in Dhaka in 1999, commences from Kunming in China and Bangkok in Thailand and ends in Kapikule in Bulgaria. The total length of this route between Bangkok and Kapikule is 11,460 Kms. and it provides trans continental rail connectivity to the countries of China, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Iran and Turkey. The route as proposed will enter India at Tamu, bordering Myanmar, entering Bangladesh at Mahisasan/Shabajpur and again enter India from Bangladesh at Gede. On the west side, the route is proposed to enter Pakistan at Attari. This route has a missing link of 315 Kms. between India and Myanmar of which 180 Kms alone is in India between Jiribam and Tamu in Manipur state.

Trans-Asian Railway Network will improve transport linkages between Asia and Europe facilitating movement of goods and containers among SAARC and ASEAN countries resulting in enhanced trade. It will also provide a unique opportunity for the Government to strengthen our ties with South East Asia. The Tran-Asian Railway Network will also strengthen rail linkages in North Eastern part of the country. Indian Railways has the largest and most developed rail network in the region. A multi-lateral agreement in the region will harmonize different standards and technologies adopted by different countries benefiting Indian Railways.

Tran-Asian Railways Project of UN-ESCAP aims for promoting infrastructure development in the ESCAP region. An Inter-Governmental agreement to formalize the Trans-Asian Railway Network was negotiated under UN-ESCAP and was adopted by the ESCAP at its 62nd session at Jakarta in April 2006.