India-Myanmar-Thailand highway pact to be inked in 15 days: Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi: India will sign a trilateral road agreement in the next 15 days with Myanmar and Thailand with a view to promoting trade and tourism in the region, Road Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.

"We will sign a road agreement with Myanmar and Thailand to link the North-East to the two East-Asian countries. The agreement is ready and it will be signed in 15 days," he said at the India Today Conclave here.

The trilateral pact between India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) will provide a seamless vehicular movement between SAARC and ASEAN nations and will enhance trade, business, health, education and tourism between India and the two countries.

Gadkari said the landmark Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Motor Pact has already been inked with identification of 14 routes for passenger services and 7 routes for cargo movement.

To check road accidents, the Minister said government has issued directions to concerned agencies for the rectification of 726 black spots, which cause a high number of accidents in the country. India accounts for about 5 lakh road accidents a year in which 1.5 lakh people die and 3 lakh are crippled.

On ports, Gadkari, who also hold the portfolio for Shipping, said concerted efforts by government has improved the performance of the ports. He added that his ministry expects at least Rs 6,000 crore in cumulative profit for 12 major ports and three flagship organisations.

"For the first time, all our 12 major ports and three flagship bodies, Cochin Shipyard, Shipping Corporation of India and Dredging Corporation of India are poised for over Rs 6,000 crore profit this fiscal," he added.