Modi’s sub-regional road connectivity plan hits a hurdle after Bhutan backs out | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Modi’s sub-regional road connectivity plan hits a hurdle after Bhutan backs out

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Apr 27, 2017 09:49 PM IST

Officials said Bhutan took the decision after it became clear that the agreement wouldn’t pass muster in its Parliament. Stakeholders were reportedly concerned that a large number of vehicles entering the country would play havoc with the country’s environment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious sub-regional road connectivity plan involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) has hit a roadblock with Bhutan withdrawing the agreement from the agenda for its upcoming Parliament session.

The ambitious sub-regional road connectivity plan was aggressively promoted by the Narendra Modi government.(Sonu Mehta/HT Photo)
The ambitious sub-regional road connectivity plan was aggressively promoted by the Narendra Modi government.(Sonu Mehta/HT Photo)

Bhutan took the decision, which threatens to further delay the project, on April 21.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The four countries had signed the motor vehicle agreement aimed at allowing seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles through each other’s territory at Thimpu in June 2015. However, all the nations involved have to ratify the pact for it to become operational. So far, only India, Bangladesh and Nepal have done so.

“The BBIN motor vehicle agreement is not likely to become operational anytime soon due to the Bhutan government’s latest move,” said a senior Union road transport and highways ministry official.

While India currently has bilateral motor vehicle agreements with Nepal and Bangladesh, a multilateral pact would go a long way in strengthening trade and tourism across the region.

Sources said that with Bhutan not playing ball, India is now mulling over making a truncated version of the original pact with Bangladesh and Nepal operational. “The ministry of external affairs has suggested that we start the process of signing the BBIN protocol with Bangladesh and Nepal,” said an official.

Indian officials said Bhutan took the decision after it became clear that the agreement wouldn’t pass muster in its Parliament. “Stakeholders across the board raised concerns that a large number of vehicles entering the country, once the pact is ratified, will play havoc with the country’s environment,” said an official.

He claimed that the neighbouring country’s economic interests would be affected in the long run if it does not come onboard. “The BBIN pact would have boosted trade and economic opportunities for a land-locked country like Bhutan,” the official added.

The decision to roll out the sub-regional road connectivity plan involving Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India was taken in 2014, after Pakistan scuttled plans for a larger South Asian road-and-rail connectivity project. “With Pakistan not coming on board to sign the SAARC motor vehicle pact, India tapped its eastern neighbours to boost regional connectivity. But now there is uncertainty over the BBIN’s implementation as well, with Bhutan failing to ratify the pact,” said a government official.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On