Pune, India | January 08, 2026
Thailand has launched the Landbridge project, a $28 billion initiative designed to transform global maritime transport. The plan bypasses the congested Malacca Strait, which links the Asia-Pacific with India and the Middle East. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the project at a high-profile investor event in San Francisco. He highlighted that the corridor will enable faster, safer, and more cost-effective shipping.
The project will connect deep-sea ports on both sides of Thailand’s southern peninsula. One port is planned at Ranong on the Andaman Sea, while another will rise at Chumphon in the Gulf of Thailand. To link these hubs, Thailand will build highways and railways spanning around 100 kilometres. This network will allow seamless cargo movement between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Project planners estimate that the corridor could cut shipping times by up to four days. They also expect it to reduce costs by roughly 15 percent compared with current routes through the Malacca Strait. This improvement matters because trade volumes through the strait continue to grow. Analysts warn that, without new routes, capacity may fall short by 2030.
Thailand’s government has emphasized that the Landbridge will strengthen logistics chains and reduce congestion. For example, the Malacca Strait currently handles about a quarter of global trade but faces bottlenecks and frequent accidents that disrupt traffic.
The project promises significant economic benefits. Thai officials estimate that construction and operation could create about 280,000 jobs in transport, construction, and service sectors. These jobs could stimulate local economies in southern provinces. Authorities also predict that the initiative will boost Thailand’s GDP growth once fully operational, surpassing recent modest figures.
Thailand aims to attract foreign investment in the corridor. The government allows overseas companies to hold substantial stakes in joint ventures that build and manage the infrastructure. Already, partnerships with investors from China and Saudi Arabia are advancing. Thai representatives are preparing to present the project to major U.S. firms at upcoming economic forums in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Landbridge will also have strategic implications beyond Thailand. India, which relies heavily on the Malacca Strait, could benefit from shorter transit times and more reliable shipping. This alternative route may strengthen India-Thailand trade ties and foster regional cooperation.
Moreover, the corridor aligns with broader regional connectivity goals. Southeast Asian economies seek to expand logistics infrastructure that supports trade integration. This ambition matches ASEAN priorities, which focus on efficient transport networks and resilient supply chains capable of handling global demand shifts.
Despite its promise, the project faces challenges. Building infrastructure across diverse terrain requires careful environmental planning, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Officials must address these issues to minimize disruptions to communities and ecosystems and maintain public support.
Critics also warn that unloading cargo for rail or road transport before reloading could pose logistical challenges. However, project backers argue that improved connectivity and reduced dependence on the Malacca Strait outweigh these concerns, especially as trade volumes grow.
Thailand aims to complete major phases of the Landbridge project by 2030. Exact timelines depend on funding and regulatory approvals. The development presents opportunities for companies specializing in smart port technologies, green logistics, and automated handling systems, further boosting the corridor’s competitiveness.
In summary, the Landbridge project represents a major leap in Thailand’s infrastructure strategy. It promises to reduce shipping times and costs, create jobs, and attract investment. Ultimately, it could reshape trade flows between Asia, India, and the Middle East for decades to come.
