However, there is a missing link of narrow corridor of about 22 km in connectivity to Sri Lanka from Rameshwaram which is presently being serviced through makeshift ferry service arrangements. Gadkari said, “We are working on the project and as soon as it is completed, Trans Asia Road and transport network could be extended to Sri Lanka.”

The proposed project will be a combination of bridge and underwater tunnel which will allow unhindered movement of ships through it, he said.

Gadkari said that by year end India will sign a pact with Myanmar and Thailand. He added that the inland waterways should be developed to reduce the cost of transportation which is about one fifth of the cost as compared to other modes of transportation.

Work on $8 billion road connectivity projects among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal under Motor Vehicle Agreement will be completed within two years, he said.