20-05-2025
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Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project: After Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024 and the interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus came to power, India-Bangladesh relations have only worsened. Moreover, the anti-India stance of the Yunus government has forced India to rethink its strategic issues. As a result, India is now prioritizing connectivity through Myanmar rather than relying on Bangladesh to have strategic control over its Northeast region, more specifically the Siliguri Corridor, called the 'chicken's neck' of India. As part of its Act East Policy, India is fast-tracking the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which connects Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmar, avoiding the narrow and vulnerable Siliguri corridor, thus bypassing Bangladesh. About Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
Experts say that the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project is the most significant project that India has undertaken in Myanmar. The Multi Modal Transit Transport Project, jointly identified by India and Myanmar was aimed to create a multi-modal mode of transport for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar. The purpose of the project also included to connect the northeastern region of India through Myanmar. As per a report carried by news agency IANS, the project provides a strategic link to the North-East, thereby reducing pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.
The historic project includes a waterway component of 158 km on the river Kaladan, from Sittwe to Paletwa. The project also includes a road component of 109 km from Paletwa to Zorinpui, on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram.
Readers should note that the project started in 2008 but due to various reasons including the ethnic conflicts in Myanmar, the project growth has slowed down.
However, as per the officials in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the delay in completion of the vital project owing to numerous reasons, the cost of the project has increased eight to nine times. How Kaladan Transport Project will help India bypass Bangladesh
After the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project is completed, the Kolkata-Mizoram route will be shortened by about 1,000 km, saving 3–4 days of travel time and also reduce India's dependence on Bangladesh.
(With inputs from agencies)
