Thailand is accelerating its $31 billion Land Bridge project to connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, aiming to reduce reliance on key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca. The initiative highlights a growing shift in global logistics toward alternative routes to mitigate geopolitical risks and improve supply chain resilience.
Amid rising risks along key maritime chokepoints, Thailand is accelerating plans for its proposed $31 billion “Land Bridge” project, aiming to connect the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean without relying on routes such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Strait of Malacca.
The project involves the development of two deep-sea ports on Thailand’s western and eastern coasts, linked by a 90-kilometer rail and highway corridor. Once completed, cargo could be transported across land, bypassing traditional maritime routes and reducing both transit time and exposure to geopolitical risks.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten the stability of the Strait of Hormuz—through which around 20% of global oil supply passes—the Land Bridge is being positioned as a strategic alternative for global trade flows. At the same time, the Strait of Malacca remains one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, handling tens of thousands of vessels annually.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the project could shorten transit times between Asia and the Middle East by several days, depending on the route. It may also help reduce congestion and insurance costs associated with high-risk maritime corridors.
Thailand is actively seeking international investment for the project, including interest from logistics companies and investment funds across Asia and the Middle East. The government aims to establish the Land Bridge as a new regional transshipment hub, potentially competing with established hubs such as Singapore.
However, the project faces several challenges, including high capital requirements, infrastructure integration, and the need to secure sufficient cargo volumes to ensure long-term viability. Shifting global shipping routes will also depend on broader strategic decisions by carriers and cargo owners.
Industry experts note that while still in development, the Land Bridge reflects a broader trend in logistics: the diversification of transport routes and reduced reliance on traditional chokepoints. In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, such infrastructure projects could play a key role in reshaping global logistics networks in the years ahead.
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