The Road Through Mandalay

As the first India-ASEAN car rally hits the road on Monday, it will bring India closer to South East Asia in more ways than one. Organised b...

As the first India-ASEAN car rally hits the road on Monday, it will bring India closer to South East Asia in more ways than one. Organised by the Indian Ministy of External Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industry, the non-competitive rally will explore road linkages with the aim of improving the infrastructure along the route and promoting tourism in Northeast India.

Originally the rally was scheduled to end in Bangkok8212;the last stop on the trilateral highway that will link India with Thailand and Myanmar. But since the highway might eventually link Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as well, the rally8217;s extended route is more than appropriate.

With 230 participants from eleven countries, the car rally may become an annual feature. Says Anupam Yog, consultant, India Brand Equity Foundation8212; a partnership between the Ministry of Commerce and CII: 8216;8216;Two months ago we didn8217;t know what to hope for. But we have been overwhelmed by the response. The idea behind this rally is to improve road infrastructure and therefore trade.8217;8217; Land routes connecting India with South East Asia were popular both in ancient as well as British times. The India-ASEAN rally could well open the road once again.

India, Leg 1
Guwahati 8211; Kohima 8211; Nov Moreh.

Myanmar, Leg 2
Tamu 8211; Mandalay 8211; Loilem 8211; Kengtung 8211; Tachilek

Thailand, Leg 3
Mae Sai 8211; Phitsanulok 8211; Nong Khai 8211; Friendship Bridge

Laos, Leg 4
Friendship Bridge 8211; Vientiane 8211; Paksan 8211;Densavanh

Vietnam, Leg 5
Lao Bao 8211; Hue 8211; Nha Trang 8211; Ho Chi Minh City -Moc Bai

Cambodia, Leg 6
Bavet 8211; Neak Loeung 8211; Phnom Penh 8211; Siem Reap 8211; Poipet

Thailand, Leg 7
Aranya Prathet 8211; Bangkok 8211; Nakhon Si Thammarat 8211;
Dan Nok

Malaysia, Leg 8
Kayum Hitam 8211; Putrajaya 8211; Johor Bahru

Singapore, Leg 9
Singapore Check post 8211; Orchard Street

Indonesia, Leg 10
Singapore 8211; Batam