India signs landmark motor vehicles pact with 3 SAARC nations

As per a Press Trust of India report, India signed a landmark motor vehicles pact on June 15 with Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal which that will facilitate smooth transit of passenger and cargo vehicles.

It is understood that a similar agreement is in the offing between India, Myanmar and Thailand. Such agreements will help drive improved economic cooperations between the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

Yesterday, in the Bhutanese capital city Thimpu, India’s road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari signed the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) for regulation of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic along with transport ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

The BBIN MVA is expected to not only cut transport costs but also foster development of multi-modal transport and transit facilities, thereby enabling increased connectivity and promoting higher levels of trade between the four countries.

As per the PTI report, Gadkari said at the conference: “This MVA, which would eventually allow motor vehicles of all categories registered in our countries to move freely in the region, is a first and small but substantial step endorsing the commitment of our national leaders to deepen regional integration for peace, stability and prosperity.” 

Photograph above: The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari with the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Bangladesh, Obaidul Quader;, the Minister of Information and Communications, Bhutan, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel and the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Nepal, Bimalendra Nidhi on the occasion of signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, in Thimphu, Bhutan on June 15, 2015. Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau