Enhancing connectivity along the regional land transport networks in Asia and the Pacific.

 

With the amendments made to the Intergovernmental Agreement on theAsian Highway Network in 2019, the network now covers more than 145,000 km, including an additional 15,000 km of highways in China. While the network continues to expand, the quality of its routes remains a concern. Although the majority of the network consists of class II roads (38%), followed by primary and class I roads (35%), it is reported that in some countries in Central, South and South-East Asia, more than 50% of Asian Highway routes are class III roads or below. These substandard conditions continue to adversely affect road transport operations, leading to increases in congestion, transport costs, road accidents, emissions and other environmental externalities.

 In parallel to enhancing the infrastructure quality along the network, significant efforts are still needed to improve operational connectivity by further harmonizing applicable standards; using new technologies and automation; and, in light of recent developments, coordinating policy responses to pandemics and similar disruptions.