Context : K. Vanlalvena, a member of Rajya Sabha from the Mizo National Front (MNF) was driven around 10 kilometres inside the Chin state where he inspected the condition of the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP), which is supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, and was hosted by a commander of the Arakan Army that has recently captured the route that the India-funded project is expected to take.
About the Kaladan Road Project
- The Kaladan Road Project is a US$484 million project connecting the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea.
- The Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project was jointly identified by the India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.
- In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route, and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
- Since the project is of political and strategic significance, it was decided to execute it through India’s grant assistance to Myanmar.
- All components of the project, including Sittwe port and power, river dredging, Paletwa jetty, have been completed, except the under construction Zorinpui-Paletwa road.
- The route of the project around Paletwa and along the Kaladan river is troubled with Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Importance
- Project is expected to contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India, by opening up the sea route for the products. It also provides a strategic link to the North-East, thereby reducing pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.
- In the absence of an alternate route, the development of this project not only serves the economic, commercial and strategic interests of India, but also contributes to the development of Myanmar, and its economic integration with India.
About Sittwe Port
- Construction of Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project.
- Its objective is to create a multi-modal sea, river and road transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar through Sittwe port as well as to North-Eastern part of India via Myanmar.
- Once fully operational, the project would encourage investment and trade and also open up alternate routes for connectivity to India’s North East Region.