China seeks high-speed rail link between Kunming and Kolkata

The 2800 kilometer rail route could be a critical component for the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar corridor that seeks cross border trade and flow of people

China is keen to establish a high speed rail link between Kunming and Kolkata as part of its efforts to revive the ancient silk route, traversing through Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The proposal, which found a mention at the recently held Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) meet here, seeks to give a boost to the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) multi-model corridor project initiated by China.

"We are in favour of it. The high speed corridor would help the economies of Myanmar and Bangladesh as well," said Li Ji Ming, vice secretary of Yunnan provincial government while indicating funding from multilateral bodies such as Asian Development Bank.

The 2800 kilometer rail route could be a critical component for the BCIM corridor that seeks cross border trade and flow of people.

China has pledged $40 billion for the silk route, having a trade potential of $132 billion.

China has been endeavouring for a revival of the silk route with a visionary plan to establish wide ranging connectivity from Kunming to Kolkata.

Yunnan enjoys crucial geographical location, involving in GMS and BCIM regional cooperation.

It is one of the major provinces engaged in construction of China-Indo-China peninsula economic corridor and BCIM economic corridor.

As part of efforts to strengthen connectivity, Ming said Shandong Airlines would start flight services between Kunming and New Delhi from next month.

Currently Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, is only connected to Kolkata.

Talking to reporters following the just concluded China south Asia trade fair here, Ming sought "active participation" from India in taking ahead the BCIM and China-India peninsula corridor projects.

"We are glad to know that after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the look east policy has substantially moved ahead. We hope we can join our efforts together. We are big partners and influential in the region," he said.

Talking about the expo, Ming hoped there would be more representation from India in next edition in comparison to just 10 companies this year.

The inauguration of the fair was attended by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh last week.

"We need more Indian companies’ participation as there is a vibrant private sector," Ming said.

He also talked about an Indian night event organised on the sidelines to promote economic and cultural ties between India and China.

Talking about the entertainment sector in particular, he favoured screening of more and more Indian films in Chinese theaters and joint collaboration in movie making.

The recent release of Aamir Khan starrer PK has been a hit in China, Ming, who plans to catch the movie soon, said.

Photograph: Reuters