Abstract

Asia is witnessing a substantial increase in large-scale infrastructure projects, often in the form of regional corridors. In this chapter, we analyze the emergence of corridors in Asia and attempt to place it within the economic, political, and social contexts within which this emergence is taking place. We delineate the key characteristics of Asian corridors and examine cases of Japan, India, and Malaysia to draw out their common characteristics. We argue that corridors are spatial forms seeking to integrate regions by transcending existing political and economic boundaries while remaining tied to a particular set of economic objectives. In our conclusion, we argue that in order for corridors to effectively integrate regions, the objectives of corridor planning need to be broadened.