UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN  member countries? 

1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project 
2. IMT Trilateral Highway 
3. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line

Select the answer using the code given below : 

Answer: 1

Explanation:  

India–ASEAN connectivity cooperation focuses on linking India, especially the North-Eastern region, with  Southeast Asia through Myanmar and Thailand. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the  India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway are important connectivity projects associated with India’s Act East  Policy and ASEAN connectivity. The Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line is a bilateral India-Bangladesh connectivity project, not an India-ASEAN project.  

• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects India with Myanmar through sea,  river and road links. Since Myanmar is an ASEAN member country, the project forms part of India’s  connectivity cooperation with ASEAN and supports access from India’s North-East to Southeast Asia.  So, point 1 is correct. 
• The IMT Trilateral Highway connects India, Myanmar and Thailand. Myanmar and Thailand are ASEAN  member countries, and the project is one of the key pillars of India–ASEAN physical connectivity. So,  point 2 is correct. 
• The Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line connects Tripura in India with Akhaura in Bangladesh. Bangladesh  is not an ASEAN member country, and the project belongs to India-Bangladesh bilateral connectivity  cooperation rather than India-ASEAN cooperation. So, point 3 is not correct. 

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.