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Asian Highway 2 shield
Asian Highway 2
Major junctions
West endKhosravi, Iran
East endDenpasar, Indonesia
Location
CountriesIndonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran
Highway system
← AH1→ AH3

Asian Highway 2 (AH2) is a road in the Asian Highway Network running 13,107 kilometres (8,144 mi) from Denpasar, Indonesia to Merak, and Singapore to Khosravi, Iran. The route passes through 10 countries and is connected to M10 of the Arab Mashreq International Road Network. The route is as follows:

Indonesia

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Toll Road Network in Java
Trans-Java Toll Road
Jakarta–Tangerang Toll Road, in parallel with AH2

National Routes:[1]

Parallel toll roads:

Ferry:

Singapore

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Malaysia

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South section of North–South Expressway, facing towards Kuala Lumpur, near Ayer Keroh, Malacca
AH2 signage at the Penang section of the North-South Expressway northbound towards Thailand.

Thailand

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AH1, AH2 and Thailand Route 32 in Ayutthaya
Asian Highway 2 sign near Ratchaburi, Thailand

Myanmar

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India (Northeast)

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Bangladesh

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AH2 and N5 national highway in Bogra, Bangladesh

India (East)

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Nepal

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NH01 (Mahendra Highway) in Nepal between Inaruwa and Katan

India (North)

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Pakistan

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Iran

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other roads

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( Arab Mashreq International Road Network)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AH2

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Asian Highway 2 (AH2) is a primary route within the , a cooperative international road system spanning over 145,000 kilometers across 32 countries in and connecting to , designed to facilitate , , and regional by improving road infrastructure and connectivity. This network, formalized through an intergovernmental agreement adopted in 2003 and entering into force in 2005 under the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), aims to enhance efficiency and safety while addressing challenges like substandard roads in some segments. AH2 specifically stretches 13,177 kilometers, making it one of the longest routes in the network, and traverses 10 countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its path begins in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, proceeding through key cities such as Surabaya and Jakarta on Java, with ferry crossings to Sumatra and then from Sumatra to Malaysia, before continuing northward via Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Bangkok in Thailand, Mandalay in Myanmar, Dhaka in Bangladesh, New Delhi in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and ending at Khosravi near the Iran-Iraq border. The route incorporates diverse terrains, including urban highways, rural roads, and international border crossings, with notable features like inter-island ferry links in Indonesia, a ferry from Sumatra to Malaysia, and connections to secondary routes such as AH42 in Nepal. Originally conceptualized in the as part of early Asian road development efforts, AH2 evolved from initial plans linking to the , with significant expansions in the and to include southern extensions into and integrations with national highway systems. Today, it supports vital cross-border trade corridors, such as those between and or and , though implementation varies by country, with some sections fully paved and multi-lane while others require upgrades for optimal performance. The route's development is overseen by ESCAP's on the , which meets biennially to monitor progress and address gaps in connectivity.

Overview

Description

Asian Highway 2 (AH2) is a major east-west trunk road within the , an international cooperative project coordinated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to improve road connectivity across the continent. As one of the network's primary routes, AH2 serves as a vital link connecting to the , promoting seamless overland transport corridors. The route begins in , , , and terminates at Khosravi in , adjacent to the Iraqi border. It spans approximately 13,177 kilometers, traversing diverse terrains and multiple national boundaries. The general path starts in island , proceeds through peninsular , enters the via , loops through and , and continues northwest across into . AH2's primary purpose is to facilitate by connecting key ports, industrial hubs, and economic centers; enhance through access to cultural and natural sites; and foster by supporting cross-border movement of goods, people, and services under ESCAP initiatives. This alignment with broader UN goals aims to boost economic cooperation and across participating nations.

Length and countries

Asian Highway 2 spans a total length of 13,177 km (8,191 mi), making it one of the longest routes in the . The route traverses 10 countries in the following sequence: , , , , , , , , , and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Breakdowns of AH2 lengths per country are documented in the UN ESCAP Asian Highway Database and related reports, with variations possible due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and adjustments at border crossings, such as ferry links between and or land borders between and . Representative examples from available UN ESCAP data include the following:
CountryLength (km)Notes
19Fully paved with 2 or more lanes.
821Fully paved with 2 or more lanes; alignments to under negotiation (data as of ~2015).
1,549Fully paved with 2 or more lanes (data as of ~2015).
807Partially paved (50 km with 2 or more lanes, 541 km single lane, 216 km unpaved); upgrades ongoing with involvement (data as of 2019).
1,027Known as the Mahendra Raj Marga; part of the total 1,324 km of Asian Highways in (data as of 2011).
1,828Fully paved with 2 or more lanes (data as of ~2015).
Specific lengths for , , , and are available in country-specific entries of the UN ESCAP Asian Highway Database (e.g., Indonesia 2010 data, India 2019 data), contributing the remaining distance to the overall total.

History and development

Establishment

The , including AH2, was conceived in 1959 by the Economic Commission for Asia and the (ECAFE, now the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or ESCAP) during the period to enhance regional economic integration and connectivity across . This initiative aimed to develop a coordinated system of international highways that would facilitate trade, travel, and political cooperation amid geopolitical tensions and post-colonial development needs in the region. During the 1960s and 1970s, initial planning efforts under ECAFE's guidance identified core routes within the network, with and designated as primary arteries linking to via key intermediate cities including Rangoon (now ), Dacca (now ), , and . These routes were prioritized to bridge with and the , supported by funding from the Special Fund and bilateral donors, though progress was hampered by the phase-out of UNDP assistance in 1975. In the late 1980s, amid rapid in the , ESCAP revitalized the project and formalized through comprehensive studies that introduced route classifications into primary, secondary, and feeder categories to standardize development and prioritize international corridors. AH2 was established as a primary trunk line in these early plans, designed to connect directly to the and serve as a vital east-west linkage for regional transport infrastructure.

Key milestones and agreements

In the early 1990s, the Economic and Social Commission for and the Pacific (ESCAP) revitalized the project through the adoption of the Infrastructure Development (ALTID) strategy at its 48th session in 1992, which included updated route maps for key corridors like AH2 to reflect contemporary needs across . Subsequent studies in 1995 and 1996 further refined these maps, identifying 29 initial routes totaling 69,000 km across 18 countries and adding 13 more in and the , with AH2's path from through to receiving specific alignments for enhanced connectivity. The Intergovernmental Agreement on the , providing a legal framework for coordinated development, was adopted on 18 November 2003 and opened for signature on 26 April 2004 in , entering into force on 4 July 2005 after ratification by eight countries. Countries along AH2 played key roles in its implementation: signed on 26 April 2004 and ratified on 13 March 2006; signed on 27 April 2004 and ratified on 16 February 2006; signed on 26 April 2004 and ratified on 2 February 2006; signed on 26 April 2004 and ratified on 15 September 2004; and signed on 26 April 2004 but ratified later on 11 February 2010, marking a milestone in Southeast Asian commitment to . During the , significant infrastructure upgrades advanced AH2's operationalization, including the integration of Indonesia's , a 1,167 km corridor completed in phases by , which forms the backbone of AH2 from Merak to and aligns with network standards for international traffic. In Malaysia, enhancements to the North-South Expressway, part of AH2 from the border to , involved six-lane widening projects initiated in 2010, such as the addition of a fourth lane from to by 2014, improving capacity and safety along the 772 km route. By 2016, ESCAP's updated database indicated that AH2 had achieved full operational length of approximately 13,107 km, with most segments meeting Class I or II standards for international highways, though some gaps persisted in border areas. In the 2020s, efforts focused on border improvements and regional linkages, particularly along the Myanmar-India segment of AH2, where the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project—overlapping AH2 from Moreh to Mae Sot—saw progress with India's construction of the 120.74 km Kalewa-Yagyi road section in Myanmar, reviewed in August 2025; as of November 2025, approximately 70% of the overall Trilateral Highway was complete. At its western endpoint in Iran, AH2 connects to the Arab Mashreq International Road Network's M10 route at Khosravi, facilitating extension toward Iraq and the broader Middle East, as outlined in ESCAP's integrated transport plans. As of 2025, ongoing initiatives include digital mapping enhancements through ESCAP's Asian Highway Database updates and increased funding from partners like the Asian Development Bank for decarbonization and operationalization; at the 11th Asian Highway Working Group meeting in June 2025, key outcomes included approvals for AH2 route amendments from Bangladesh and Thailand, encouragement for accepting road safety standards, and recommendations to promote digital tools and low-emission vehicles along the network.

Route description

Indonesia

The Indonesian segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) begins in , the capital of , and traverses the island's southern regions before crossing to via ferry. From , the route follows local roads northwest to Gilimanuk, where vehicles board ferries operated by the state-owned PT ASDP Ferry for the approximately 5 km strait crossing to Ketapang in Banyuwangi, . This maritime link integrates AH2 with 's national highway system, emphasizing the network's adaptation to the archipelago's geography. Upon reaching Java, AH2 aligns predominantly with the , a 1,167 km controlled-access expressway spanning the island from Merak in the west to Banyuwangi in the east, though the AH2 utilizes the eastern-to-western portion. The route proceeds westward from Ketapang through and , Indonesia's second-largest city, where it intersects with National Route 1. Continuing via the toll road, it passes , the capital of , and Solo (Surakarta), incorporating sections of National Routes 15 and 16, before reaching , the national capital, and finally terminating at Merak port on Java's northwest coast. This approximately 1,000 km road segment features extensive toll plazas, with the handling over 90% of the journey and facilitating high-volume freight and passenger traffic. Notable aspects include multiple ferry dependencies, such as the Bali-Java crossing, and continuation via ferry from Merak to Bakauheni on , then the to for ferry links to . The route integrates seamlessly with Indonesia's primary arterial highways, supporting economic corridors like the Java industrial belt. For international linkage, the segment connects to via ferry services from to Tanah Merah or HarbourFront terminals, underscoring AH2's role in regional maritime-road hybrid transport.

Singapore

In Singapore, Asian Highway 2 (AH2) covers a compact segment of approximately 25-30 km, facilitating a critical link in the regional network through the city-state's highly urbanized landscape. The route begins at the Tanah Merah or HarbourFront Ferry Terminals, where vehicles arrive via ferry services from in , providing connectivity from the Indonesian portion of AH2. From the terminals, AH2 proceeds along the (PIE) and Expressway (BKE), navigating through dense commercial and residential districts before reaching the and Johor-Singapore Causeway. This urban traversal emphasizes Singapore's function as a pivotal and logistics hub, with the route subject to (ERP) gantries that manage congestion on these high-volume expressways. The infrastructure, including and BKE, adheres to international standards for primary roads, featuring multi-lane configurations, , and advanced maintenance practices established since their completion in the late . AH2 concludes in at the Johor-Singapore Causeway, marking the seamless handover to the Malaysian section across the Straits of Johor.

Malaysia

The Malaysian segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) begins at the border with in , where it connects via the , and proceeds northward along the North-South Expressway (E1 and E2), a major controlled-access toll highway that forms the backbone of the route. This alignment traverses the western coast of , passing through densely populated urban areas and connecting economic hubs such as , , , , and Butterworth. The expressway's design emphasizes high-speed travel with multiple lanes, service areas, and interchanges that facilitate integration with local federal routes like Route 1 and Route 4 for seamless connectivity. Spanning approximately 772 kilometers, the North-South Expressway represents a significant portion of AH2 in and was constructed in phases, with major sections operational by the early 1990s following initial openings in the . A key feature is its toll system, managed by PLUS Malaysia Berhad, which funds maintenance and expansions while providing incentives like for efficiency. Notable infrastructure includes the 13.5-kilometer , a dual-carriageway toll structure completed in 1985 that links the mainland at to , enabling AH2 to bypass ferry dependencies and support heavy cross-island traffic. Further north, the route continues through Perak's industrial zones and Kedah's agricultural landscapes to , integrating with shorter expressways such as the Butterworth–Kulim Expressway for optimal flow. The segment culminates at the border crossing, where AH2 transitions into Thailand's highway network, facilitating regional trade and tourism. Overall, this portion underscores Malaysia's emphasis on modern, tolled infrastructure to enhance connectivity within the Asian Highway system.

Thailand

The AH2 enters from at the Sadao border crossing in . From there, it follows Thailand Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), a major arterial route, northward through the southern provinces, passing key urban centers such as in , a bustling transportation hub facilitating trade and passenger movement. The highway continues through Phatthalung, , and , traversing a mix of agricultural landscapes and coastal areas before reaching the central region. In the central region, AH2 aligns with Highway 4 into the Greater Bangkok area, where it utilizes dedicated bypass routes to avoid the city's severe urban congestion, including elevated expressways and outer ring roads that streamline through-traffic. From , the route continues north along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) through Ayutthaya, , , and to Mae Sai, crossing into at the border. The Thai segment of AH2 spans approximately 1,800 km, predominantly consisting of paved, multi-lane highways designed for international freight and . Notable features along the route include dense urban traffic in , where daily volumes exceed 100,000 vehicles on bypass sections, contrasted with quieter rural stretches in the south featuring rubber plantations and local markets. Border facilities at Sadao are equipped for efficient customs processing, supporting cross-border trade valued at over $10 billion annually between and . In the , significant upgrades to AH2 in , including widening to four lanes and bridge reinforcements, were implemented as part of connectivity initiatives to enhance and reduce travel times by up to 20%. These improvements focused on critical bottlenecks around and , aligning with the Master Plan on Connectivity. The AH2 exits Thailand toward Myanmar at the Mae Sai-Tachileik border crossing in , serving as a vital gateway for overland and cultural exchange, though varies due to geopolitical factors. This endpoint connects to 's road network, facilitating the continuation of the trans-Asian corridor.

Myanmar

The Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters from at the border crossing in the east. The route then winds through the rugged highlands, passing key towns such as Kyaing Tong, Loilem, and , before descending to the central lowlands at . From , it proceeds northwest along the alignment of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway to , continues via and Kalewa, and terminates at Tamu on the northwestern border. This traversal covers approximately 807 km, primarily aligning with Myanmar's National Highway 4 in the eastern segment, National Highway 1 between and , and National Highway 7 from to Tamu. The path highlights significant infrastructural challenges in Myanmar's border regions, including narrow, winding roads through mountainous terrain that limit vehicle speeds and capacity. Political instability, exacerbated by ethnic conflicts in and armed clashes in near Tamu, has disrupted construction, maintenance, and traffic flow along the route, particularly since the 2021 military coup. These issues have stalled progress on connectivity projects, with security concerns forcing contractors to halt operations in sensitive areas. Efforts to upgrade the network include targeted improvements to bottleneck sections, such as the 190 km stretch from Takaw to Kyaingtong, where substandard roads contribute to extended travel times; this segment is slated for enhancement to Class III standards at an estimated cost of $326 million. The partial integration with the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway provides better links for freight and passenger movement in the central portion, though full realization depends on broader regional funding. River ferries remain necessary for some crossings, like those on the near Kalewa, until planned bridges are completed. The 2016 ESCAP assessment identified multiple incomplete or unpaved subsections totaling over 200 km, underscoring persistent gaps in the AH2's operational readiness within .

India (Northeast)

The Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters India from at the Moreh border crossing in state. From Moreh, the route proceeds northward through , Manipur's capital (NH102), then to (NH29), , and in (NH29), before continuing to and near the Bangladesh border at Tamabil, spanning approximately 700 km across the Northeast region's challenging landscape. The terrain in this section is predominantly hilly, characterized by steep gradients, frequent landslides, and dense forests, which complicate construction and maintenance efforts. Historically, ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in and have delayed road upgrades, with militant activities disrupting work and security concerns limiting access to remote areas. Integration with India's Act East Policy, reoriented from the earlier Look East Policy in 2014, has elevated the strategic importance of this AH2 segment by prioritizing enhanced connectivity to Southeast Asia for trade and economic growth. Post-2015 improvements, funded through initiatives like the National Highways Development Project, have included road widening, bridge reinforcements, and four-laning efforts on key stretches such as Imphal-Kohima and Guwahati-Shillong, aiming to reduce travel times and boost cross-border commerce. This Northeast Indian portion of AH2 culminates near the Bangladesh border at Tamabil, serving as a vital gateway for regional linkages while supporting local economies through improved access to markets in and .

Bangladesh

The Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters Bangladesh from the Indian state of at the Tamabil-Dawki border crossing in the . From there, it follows the N2 national highway southward through city, passing key towns such as Shaistaganj and Narshingdi before reaching the capital, . This segment traverses the northeastern hilly and plain regions, characterized by tea estates and agricultural landscapes. Upon entering , AH2 navigates the heavily congested urban core, where high poses logistical challenges for freight and passenger traffic. Exiting the city northward via the N5 , the route proceeds through Kaliakoir, Elenga, and Hatikumrul to , then continues west through , , and Chapainababganj. The culminates at the Benapole-Petrapole border crossing into India's , completing the loop of AH2. The total length within spans approximately 492 km, primarily aligned with the N2 and N5 highways. The route encounters notable environmental and infrastructural features, including flood-prone areas in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta that require elevated alignments and drainage systems to maintain year-round accessibility. In , the urban density amplifies traffic volumes, with AH2 serving as a vital for regional . While AH2 itself remains inland, it connects to the national network providing access to Port, Bangladesh's primary maritime gateway for overland cargo. During the , upgrades to AH2 sections, including widening to four lanes in select urban stretches and bridge reinforcements, were supported under BIMSTEC transport connectivity initiatives to bolster cross-border efficiency.

India (East)

The eastern segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) re-enters from at the -Benapole border crossing, located approximately 80 km north of in West Bengal's . This integrated check post, the largest land port in , facilitates significant bilateral trade and serves as a critical gateway for overland connectivity in the region. From , the route proceeds southeast along National Highway 12 (NH 12) toward , traversing densely populated urban and peri-urban areas with high commercial activity. In , AH2 aligns with segments of NH 12 and NH 27, passing through key industrial and logistical hubs before heading northeast via NH 27 through , Malda, and . This stretch supports major manufacturing and agricultural activities in , crossing the at near Malda. Further upgrades under the Pariyojana, initiated post-2017, have focused on widening and strengthening NH 27 sections between and to four or six lanes, enhancing capacity for heavy vehicles. Traffic volumes remain particularly high near , with NH 27 recording among India's busiest corridors due to its role in linking eastern ports to inland markets. The segment culminates at the Kakarbhitta border crossing into , covering a total distance of approximately 500 km through eastern India's heartland. This portion traverses 's agricultural and industrial belts, serving as one of the busiest India- land ports for in like textiles and agricultural products.

Nepal

The Nepalese segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters the country from the Indian state of at the border crossing in , a major gateway handling significant cross-border cargo and passenger traffic. From , the route aligns with the (National Highway 01, or H01), proceeding westward through the plains across the southern lowlands, passing , Narayanghat, and to Mahendranagar (Bhimdatt) in , covering approximately 1,027 km. This alignment utilizes the east-west oriented , Nepal's longest road at over 1,000 km total, traversing the flat, fertile region for efficient connectivity without venturing into the northern hills. The core infrastructure for AH2 in comprises H01 () as the primary corridor, supplemented by AH2 signage and periodic upgrades to international standards, such as dual carriageways and improved bridges, funded through multilateral assistance. Constructed primarily in the late , the highway has been pivotal for , with ongoing enhancements emphasizing durability against natural hazards. Post-2015 Gorkha recovery efforts repaired damages to the strategic road network, including sections of the , at a cost of NPR 4,600 million ($45.9 million) in losses, followed by NPR 9,000 million ($282 million total sector recovery needs) invested in resilient reconstruction under a "Build Back Better" framework to mitigate future seismic risks. These improvements have bolstered rural connectivity, linking remote communities—home to over half of Nepal's population—to agricultural markets, healthcare, and facilities along the route. Access to Kathmandu is facilitated by key spurs from the highway, such as the 93-km from and the 174-km from Mugling near Narayangarh, enabling vital north-south linkages for the landlocked nation's capital and economic hub. The AH2 segment remains confined to the southern plains, supporting freight movement for exports like agricultural goods while avoiding rugged terrain. The route re-enters at the western border near Mahendranagar (Bhimdatt)- crossing, transitioning to the northern Indian plains section.

India (North)

The northern segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) re-enters from at the border crossing near Mahendranagar in . From , the route proceeds southeast through the , passing urban centers such as , , and before continuing northwest to in and terminating at the Attari-Wagah border with . This approximately 800 km stretch traverses diverse landscapes, from fertile agricultural plains to bustling metropolitan hubs, facilitating significant intra-regional commerce and connectivity. The alignment primarily follows India's National Highway system, including NH 24 from to and NH 44 from to the border, incorporating sections of the historic . The , dating back over 2,500 years to the Mauryan Empire and later expanded by Mughal and British rulers, historically served as a key artery of the network, enabling trade in spices, textiles, and precious goods across . Today, the route supports high-volume freight and passenger traffic amid India's northern heartland, where urban densities exceed 10,000 people per square kilometer in areas like the National Capital Region around . Ongoing infrastructure enhancements underscore the segment's strategic importance. The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, a 670 km under at a cost of approximately ₹40,000 , parallels and upgrades portions of NH 44 between and , aiming to reduce travel time from 8 hours to 4 hours and boost in and Jammu & . This expressway, expandable to 8 lanes, incorporates advanced features like intelligent transport systems and will enhance AH2's efficiency for regional logistics. At its western terminus, AH2 reaches the -Wagah border crossing, India's primary overland gateway to and a critical point for valued at over $2 billion annually in recent years. The integrated check post at Attari, operational since 2012, streamlines customs, immigration, and cargo clearance, though the crossing is renowned for its daily ceremony symbolizing military camaraderie between the two nations. This border facilitates the continuation of AH2 into toward and beyond to , underscoring its role in broader Eurasian connectivity.

Pakistan

The Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters at the border crossing with , a key international gateway known for its ceremonial changeover. From there, it proceeds eastward through , a major urban center, before heading south to and then westward across via and , entering through , , and . The route continues through the provincial capital of and remote areas like Dalbandin, culminating at Taftan on the Iranian border, where it connects to the Mirjaveh crossing. Spanning approximately 1,763 kilometers, the Pakistani segment of AH2 primarily utilizes National Highway N-5 for its eastern stretches from to and extensions via motorways like M-4 and M-5, transitioning to N-25 in the western portion from to Taftan. This alignment supports east-west connectivity, linking Pakistan's populous eastern provinces with its resource-rich western frontier. The route features challenging desert sections in Balochistan, particularly the arid Kharan and Chagai regions between Quetta and Taftan, characterized by vast sandy expanses, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures that demand robust infrastructure for safe passage. Security concerns persist along these stretches due to Baloch insurgent activities and cross-border tensions, prompting increased military presence and convoy requirements for commercial traffic. Since the 2013 launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), AH2 has integrated with CPEC initiatives, including upgrades to N-25 segments in Balochistan to bolster trade links with Iran and Central Asia. Major rehabilitations in the 2020s, such as the expansion of N-25 to four lanes funded partly through fuel levies and international support, aim to address accident-prone areas and enhance capacity amid rising freight volumes.

Iran

The Iranian segment of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) enters the country from at the border crossing of Mirjaveh and extends northwestward through key cities including , , , , , and before reaching its endpoint at Khosravi near the border. This alignment covers approximately 2,310 kilometers, forming the final major leg of AH2 within the . The route primarily follows Iran's national Road 71 from the southeastern entry point through and , integrating with other primary highways such as Road 78 toward and Road 5 north of to ensure connectivity across diverse terrains from arid deserts to mountainous regions. By the early , the entire Iranian portion of AH2 had been fully paved to Class I standards, supporting heavy vehicular traffic and enhancing regional trade efficiency. AH2's integration with Iran's extensive national road network—spanning over 200,000 kilometers—facilitates seamless transit links to ports like and major economic corridors, while seismic design considerations, mandated by the Iranian for Seismic Resistant Design, address the country's high vulnerability, particularly in tectonically active zones along the route. At , AH2 connects to the Arab Mashreq International Road Network's M10 route, enabling onward access to western . The Khosravi terminus positions AH2 for potential border extensions into , bolstering cross-border logistics.

Connections and extensions

The western terminus of AH2 at Khosravi in connects directly to the M10 route of the Arab Mashreq International Road Network, enabling extension into toward and further linkages to the Mediterranean via routes like M40. This integration facilitates broader Middle Eastern connectivity, supporting trade corridors from to Arab states. In Southeast , AH2 incorporates links to bridge island segments, including the Bakauheni-Merak crossing between and in , which spans approximately 25 km across the Sunda Strait and is essential for continuous overland travel. Additionally, services connect to , allowing AH2 travelers to proceed northward into without interruption, though these maritime segments require coordination for vehicle transport. Potential enhancements, such as improved Java-Sumatra infrastructure and discussions for the to replace the with a fixed link, are under consideration to integrate with national upgrades and boost regional logistics. Border agreements along AH2 are supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for and the Pacific (ESCAP) through the 2003 Intergovernmental Agreement on the , which promotes harmonized customs procedures and seamless transit across member states. This framework encourages bilateral protocols for efficient cross-border movement, exemplified by the India-Pakistan arrangements at the Wagah-Attari border crossing, where synchronized operating hours and simplified documentation facilitate daily trade and passenger flows under ESCAP guidelines. Such measures aim to reduce delays and align with international standards like the TIR Convention for customs transit. As of November 2025, discussions under ESCAP and regional forums continue for potential extensions of AH2 into from the Khosravi border, aiming for enhanced connectivity to via the M40 and alignment with Arab Mashreq routes to support multimodal trade, though implementation depends on bilateral agreements and security considerations.

Spur roads and branches

The spur roads and branches of Asian Highway 2 (AH2) consist of secondary routes and auxiliaries designated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to support connectivity to key infrastructure and provide alternatives along the main corridor. In , internal roads in connect the AH2 terminus in to , serving as a short spur to integrate the route with air transport hubs. In , northeast branches extend from the main AH2 alignment to in , acting as a logistical hub for the region, while east links from reach the border, enhancing cross-border access. In , the N-70 national highway through functions as an AH2 variant, offering an alternative alignment from to via and , bypassing certain main route segments. Other UN-designated AH2 auxiliaries include shortcuts in the Thailand-Myanmar section, improving transit efficiency. Maintenance of these spurs varies across countries, with upgrades in during the 2020s under the Pariyojana program focusing on widening and paving secondary alignments to meet Class I standards.

References

  1. https://www.unescap.org/our-work/transport/regional-land-transport/asian-highway
  2. https://www.unescap.org/resources/intergovernmental-agreement-asian-highway-network
  3. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Full%20version.pdf
  4. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/651570/files/E_ESCAP_CTR_5-EN.pdf
  5. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/pub_2424_Ch1_0.pdf
  6. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Nepal_3.pdf
  7. https://www.unescap.org/our-work/transport/asian-highway/database
  8. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/event-documents/ESCAPAHWG%252811%25293_E.pdf
  9. https://treaties.un.org/pages/viewdetails.aspx?src=treaty&mtdsg_no=xi-b-34&chapter=11&clang=_en
  10. https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/infrastructure-news/september-2024/trans-java-toll-road-saves-time.html
  11. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/AH%2520map_1Nov2016.pdf
  12. https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/india-myanmar-thailand-highway-indian-envoy-reviews-progress-on-key-project-in-myanmar/123039245
  13. https://southasianvoices.org/pol-m-oth-r-ashtalakshmi-northeast-11-17-2025/
  14. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/5-Asian%2520Highway%2520strategy%2520development.pdf
  15. https://indico.un.org/event/1016079/
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  17. https://www.unescap.org/resources/asian-highway-database
  18. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/AH-map_2018-2.pdf
  19. https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/29/rejuvenating-connectivity-through-asian-highway-network.html
  20. https://www.sindoferry.com.sg/
  21. https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/7/2/asean-transit-transport-route-signs-to-be-installed.html
  22. https://www.plus.com.my/our-expressways/
  23. http://www.malaxi.com/about_north-south_expressway.html
  24. https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/asean-connectivity.pdf
  25. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Status%2520Paper%2520-%2520Myanmar.pdf
  26. https://www.orfonline.org/research/india-s-connectivity-projects-with-myanmar-post-coup-a-stocktaking
  27. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Mynamar.pdf
  28. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol.28-Issue7/Ser-6/A2807060109.pdf
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