Latest news with #KaladanMulti-ModalTransitTransportProject
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mizoram governor, BRO discuss fast-tracking strategic border roads and Aizawl bypass
Advt Advt Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh and chief engineer of Project Pushpak, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), GP Singh, on Tuesday discussed critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing border security and improving connectivity in Mizoram, an official statement said on chief engineer briefed the governor on crucial ongoing projects and proposals to which the latter assured his commitment to facilitating coordination with relevant central and state govt authorities to ensure swift approvals and funding for their timely discussion highlighted six key projects, including the urgent need to upgrade the Kawnpui-Durtlang-Aizawl (K-D-A) road linking Aizawl with Cachar in Assam, and the necessity for securing funds from the ministry of home affairs (MHA).The need for fast-track disposal of land acquisition and forest clearance cases related to international border road works and fencing works under MHA to ensure timely progress was also emphasised. The proposal for the Kawlchaw-Serkawr-Tuipang road , located in the southern part of the state bordering Myanmar, emphasised the need for the state govt to issue an NOC promptly to commence this strategic the sanctioned Old Tualcheng-Pamchung Road, a request was made for the state govt to issue an NOC without conditions related to the exchange of the K-D-A Road, along with permission from the deputy commissioner of Champhai district bordering Myanmar to start the allocation of a package under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) to the 71 RCC (GREF) unit in Lawngtlai was discussed to ensure effective supervision and completion of KMMTTP, highlighting its potential to boost proposal to assign certain packages of the Aizawl Bypass project to Pushpak/BRO to facilitate its smooth and efficient completion, which is critical for decongesting traffic in the capital city, was also discussed during the points were presented to the governor through a detailed presentation, underscoring their importance for Mizoram's infrastructure and security.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mizoram guv discusses infra projects with BRO chief engineer
1 2 Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh and chief engineer of Project Pushpak, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), GP Singh, on Tuesday discussed critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing border security and improving connectivity in Mizoram, an official statement said on Tuesday. The chief engineer briefed the governor on crucial ongoing projects and proposals to which the latter assured his commitment to facilitating coordination with relevant central and state govt authorities to ensure swift approvals and funding for their timely implementation. The discussion highlighted six key projects, including the urgent need to upgrade the Kawnpui-Durtlang-Aizawl (K-D-A) road linking Aizawl with Cachar in Assam, and the necessity for securing funds from the ministry of home affairs (MHA). The need for fast-track disposal of land acquisition and forest clearance cases related to international border road works and fencing works under MHA to ensure timely progress was also emphasised. The proposal for the Kawlchaw-Serkawr-Tuipang road, located in the southern part of the state bordering Myanmar, emphasised the need for the state govt to issue an NOC promptly to commence this strategic work. For the sanctioned Old Tualcheng-Pamchung Road, a request was made for the state govt to issue an NOC without conditions related to the exchange of the K-D-A Road, along with permission from the deputy commissioner of Champhai district bordering Myanmar to start the work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo The allocation of a package under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) to the 71 RCC (GREF) unit in Lawngtlai was discussed to ensure effective supervision and completion of KMMTTP, highlighting its potential to boost development. The proposal to assign certain packages of the Aizawl Bypass project to Pushpak/BRO to facilitate its smooth and efficient completion, which is critical for decongesting traffic in the capital city, was also discussed during the meeting. These points were presented to the governor through a detailed presentation, underscoring their importance for Mizoram's infrastructure and security.
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First Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Arakan Army is key to India's Myanmar strategy: Time to acknowledge it
The successful completion of the Kaladan project is much more than just a 'friendship treaty' between India and Myanmar. It could become the axis around which India manages the growing instability on its northeastern borders read more This week, the Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) will be operational by 2027. The project aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe in Rakhine State of Myanmar by sea. Further, in Myanmar, it will link Sittwe to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river route, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram, India by road. Funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the project has faced considerable roadblocks since 2010. Aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by 1,328 km and creating an alternative route to the Siliguri Corridor, the critical Paletwa-to-Zorinpui road is yet to be completed, even though the Sittwe port received its first cargo ships from India in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sonowal also stated that the 'Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is the result of the India–Myanmar Friendship Treaty. This is a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's northeast and Myanmar'. To this end, the Shipping Ministry has invested Rs 1,000 crore in developing the waterways for the project. However, since the military-led coup in Myanmar (2021), the future of KMMTTP has seemed uncertain, irrespective of the money injected into it. More from Opinion Tesla touches down, but will it build in India? In post-coup Myanmar, various Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) have emerged as powerful military and political forces crucial to the country's future. Some are fighting for federalism, others for autonomy from the Tatmadaw. Their need to retain territorial control has ensured that conflict remains perpetual. Substantial territory is controlled by the EAOs—some estimates suggest almost 50 per cent—though the majority of the population still lives in Tatmadaw-controlled areas. There are over two hundred EAOs in the country. However, not all EAOs have equal influence, territory, training, or weaponry. Some have also clashed with each other over territorial control. But within this complex mosaic of EAOs and the fight for territory, it is one of the youngest EAOs that has emerged as the most influential. In Rakhine State, where the KMMTTP is situated, the Arakan Army (AA) controls most of the state. Established in 2009 with a strength of just 25, it was founded on the 'Way of the Rakhita' or the Arakan Dream. The group envisions establishing an independent Arakan nation, evoking memories of the once-powerful Arakan Kingdom (1425–1785). With a strength of 30,000 soldiers, the AA is a sophisticated militia that provides training to other smaller EAOs, stationing nearly 6,000 soldiers across territories controlled by their allies. Its young, dynamic leadership, such as Maj. Gen. Twan Mrat Naing, is known for its extensive networks across Myanmar and internationally. The AA is extremely popular among locals and has managed to capture most of Rakhine State and Paletwa in neighbouring Chin State. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, out of the 18 townships in Rakhine, 15 are under AA control. However, Sittwe (the capital of Rakhine), Kyaukphyu (where China has critical investments), and the island of Manaung (due to its geostrategic location) remain untouched. One argument is that these territories remain untouched because the AA lacks naval power, unlike the Tatmadaw. While that may be true, there has also been news of the Chinese resuming construction near Kyaukphyu port after striking a deal with the AA to provide protection for Chinese construction workers. It was in 2023 that the China-backed Three Brotherhood Alliance—comprising the MNDAA, Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army—launched the highly successful Operation 1027 against the Tatmadaw. At the time, China was interested in pressuring the Tatmadaw to curb illegal gambling and cyber-scam operations in northern Shan State, which were directly impacting Chinese citizens. But after securing the Tatmadaw's compliance, China swiftly adjusted its approach by exerting influence on key EAOs as well as the Tatmadaw, even appointing a Special Envoy for negotiations between them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's primary interest in a stable Myanmar is to limit Western influence and ensure the security of its infrastructure projects, such as the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, power plant, and oil and gas pipelines. Their success in brokering deals with both the Tatmadaw and the AA—reportedly including allowing Chinese security personnel to protect these assets—should be a cause of concern for India. On the other hand, India has taken a measured approach to Myanmar, keeping communication channels open with the State Administration Council (SAC), the governing body of the Tatmadaw, while also providing humanitarian aid after the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country on March 28, 2025. India has investments not just in KMMTTP but also in the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway. However, beyond focusing on infrastructure completion and security, India's Myanmar policy should now be driven by the need to secure its northeastern borders—leveraging the on-ground reality that Chinese influence in Myanmar is disliked by large sections of the local population. The ultra-nationalist Tatmadaw and China have had strained relations in the past, and even today, the relationship remains transactional. In contrast, India enjoys a unique cultural and historical connection that can serve as a special pivot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To this end, India's engagement with major independent stakeholders in Myanmar is unlikely to face opposition. India could begin with the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State. To find a middle path, one must read between the lines. It is possible that the AA is deliberately refraining from advancing on the three critical revenue-generating townships—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—not merely because of naval limitations, but also to use them as leverage with external stakeholders like China and India, as well as with the Tatmadaw. They may be aiming to negotiate a revenue-sharing model. In this scenario, the Tatmadaw and the AA could reach a mutual understanding that includes a federal system with an Arakanese Chief Minister—a demand even the National League for Democracy (NLD) failed to deliver. This is where India could play the role of a mediator—not only positioning itself positively among the Arakanese but also building trust with the SAC. The successful completion of the KMMTTP project is much more than just a 'friendship treaty' between India and Myanmar. It could become the axis around which India manages the growing instability on its northeastern borders. India must recognise that the 'strategic initiative', as highlighted by Sonowal, is not limited to finding an alternative to the Siliguri Corridor or merely countering China—it is also essential for the Arakan Army and the people of Rakhine State. The last leg of the project, from Paletwa to Zorinpui, will allow for the supply of essential goods such as food, construction materials, and medical aid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If India truly wishes to rise as a regional power, it must ensure that the KMMTTP is completed swiftly. Rami Niranjan Desai is a scholar of India's Northeast and neighbourhood. She is a columnist and author and presently works as Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. She recently undertook a fieldtrip to Myanmar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights 'rapid growth' of Northeastern states fulfilling PM's resolve
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India] July 8 (ANI): Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Monday highlighted the rapid progress being made in India's Northeastern states and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'resolve' to make the Northeastern region the 'growth engine' of India. Interacting with media on Monday in Indore, Scindia said, 'The Prime Minister's resolve is to make the Northeastern region the growth engine of India. The Government of India is working with that same resolve, based on which, whether it be social development or infrastructure, all eight states are moving forward with renewed enthusiasm.' Scindia noted that while the national GDP growth rate currently hovers around '6-7%', the eight Northeastern states are witnessing an impressive growth rate of '11-13%', reflecting the impact of sustained government efforts and targeted investments. He also cited the success of a major Northeast Investment Summit held on May 23. 'On May 23, an investment summit was organised for the Northeastern states. In that, an investment of Rs 4.18 lakh crore was secured for all eight states... There is full hope that our eight states will not only bring a new dawn for India but also for the Global South,' he mentioned. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced multiple initiatives by the government to boost the waterways and maritime sector in the Northeast region. 'With an investment of Rs 5,000 crore earmarked, the Union Government has drawn up major initiatives in this regard,' Sonowal said. He said that, over the past 11 years, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has transformed India's maritime sector with record growth in cargo handling, capacity and coastal shipping. Major ports have nearly doubled their capacity, cruise tourism is rising with ambitious new terminals, and 50,000 youth from the Northeast will be trained for maritime jobs. 'Key legislative and digital reforms, green shipping initiatives, and projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project are strengthening regional connectivity and trade. India's ports are now globally competitive, with nine ranking in the World Bank's top 100, and Visakhapatnam Port reaching the top 20,' Sonowal said. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sonowal said, 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have revitalised India's maritime sector as never before. From historic growth in port capacity and cargo handling to pioneering green shipping, cruise tourism and skill development for our youth -- these achievements reflect the Modi government's unwavering commitment to make India a global maritime powerhouse and drive inclusive development across every coastal and riverine region.' (ANI)
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Modi govt plans to invest ₹5,000 cr to develop Northeast waterways: Sonowal
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced multiple initiatives by the government to boost the waterways and maritime sector in the region. "With an investment of Rs 5,000 crore earmarked, the Union Government has drawn up major initiatives in this regard," Sarbananda Sonowal said. He said that, over the past 11 years, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has transformed India's maritime sector with record growth in cargo handling, capacity and coastal shipping. Major ports have nearly doubled their capacity, cruise tourism is rising with ambitious new terminals, and 50,000 youth from the Northeast will be trained for maritime jobs. "Key legislative and digital reforms, green shipping initiatives, and projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project are strengthening regional connectivity and trade. India's ports are now globally competitive, with nine ranking in the World Bank's top 100, and Visakhapatnam Port reaching the top 20," Sonowal said. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have revitalised India's maritime sector as never before. From historic growth in port capacity and cargo handling to pioneering green shipping, cruise tourism and skill development for our youth -- these achievements reflect the Modi government's unwavering commitment to make India a global maritime powerhouse and drive inclusive development across every coastal and riverine region." At the press conference, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government aims to train 50,000 youth from the region in maritime skills over the next decade, offering them assured employment opportunities in the growing sector. "The Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati as well as the upcoming Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dibrugarh aims to power this transformation. The CoE will be developed with an investment of Rs 200 crore. Both the centres are likely to produce 500 jobs annually," he said. Sonowal said, "PM Modi has always envisioned how Yuva Shakti can bring about real transformation in the country. Our vision is to train, enable and empower 50,000 youth from the Northeast with world-class maritime skills over the next decade, ensuring meaningful employment & growth. Our centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh will be the backbone of this transformation." He said that the Ministry has undertaken projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Northeast's inland waterways sector over the past two years, with Rs 300 crore works completed and Rs 700 crore slated for completion by 2025. "Major initiatives include permanent cargo terminals at Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj and Badarpur; year-round fairway dredging; a new approach road to Pandu Port; heritage restoration in Dibrugarh; tourist jetties worth Rs 299 crore; skill development centres at Guwahati and Dibrugarh; and plans for lighthouses at Bogibeel, Biswanath Ghat, Silghat and Pandu. Feasibility studies has been completed and found feasible for operation in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, and cruise vessels are being procured under central schemes. For Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, the efforts are on to expand IWT infrastructure and promote water-based tourism. The operationalisation of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) offers new trade routes bypassing the Siliguri Corridor, strengthening regional connectivity and aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat," Sonowal said. Responding to a query on the status of Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), Sarbananda Sonowal said that Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is the result of India Myanmar Friendship Treaty. "This is a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's Northeast and Myanmar -- is set to be fully operational by 2027. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast stands at the heart of the Bharat's development agenda. Empowered by Modi ji's transformative 'Act East' policy, this once landlocked region is now poised for direct and shorter access to international sea routes. The swift execution of the Sittwe Port in Myanmar is a testament to this commitment. Once fully operational, the region will unlock new trade opportunities not just for Northeast India, but also for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar by connecting them with Southeast Asia. This milestone truly embodies Modi ji's guiding philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' -- collective effort for inclusive growth," he said. He said that from Paletwa in Myanmar to Zorinpui in Mizoram, the Sittwe port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component. "From Sittwe, Myanmar to Sarboom, Tripura, goods from Kolkata to Sittwe Port can be shipped to Teknaf Port, Bangladesh which is just 60 nautical miles of Sittwe. From Teknaf Port goods can be transported by road to Sabroom which is 300 km away. Sabroom has an Integrated customs border between Bangladesh and Tripura. Sittwe port and the Kaladan Project will immensely benefit Tripura by way of significant reduction in transportation time and logistics cost. Major cargo for export for Sittwe Port; i.e. exports from Myanmar include Rice, Timber, Fish and seafood, Petroleum products and Garments and textiles. The major cargo for import for Sittwe Port; i.e. imports by Myanmar, include construction materials such as cement, steel and bricks among others," Sonowal said. He further said that, other key initiatives include the deployment of 100 barges operated by a global major on NW2 & 16 by 2025, intended to significantly enhance cargo movement across Assam and neighbouring states. "To ensure round-the-year navigability, the ministry plans to deploy 10 amphibian and cutter section dredgers, backed by an investment of Rs 610 crore," he said. Sonowal also announced plans to develop 85 community jetties across the Northeast to improve local connectivity. Speaking on this, Sonowal said, "To unlock the true economic potential of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, we are investing Rs 610 crore to deploy 10 state-of-the-art dredgers, ensuring all-weather navigability. This will transform cargo movement, create new trade routes, and strengthen economic linkages across Assam and the entire Northeast. By combining this with 100 modern barges by global logistics major from Germany, Rhenus, and 85 community jetties, we aim to build an integrated and sustainable waterways network that empowers local communities and drives growth." Highlighting efforts to support tourism and regional trade, Sarbananda Sonowal shared that Rs 300 crore will be invested to build new tourism and cargo jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat and Guijan. In a major move toward modern urban transport, Water Metro projects are planned in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, with feasibility studies already completed. "The government will also set up lighthouses at Pandu, Tezpur, Biswanath & Bogibeel, each equipped with IMD centres, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt of India, to provide accurate local weather forecasts. These projects reflect our commitment to transform the Northeast into a major hub of waterways-based trade, tourism and employment, aligned with PM Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development," Sarbananda Sonowal said.
