Kaladan project key to Northeast connectivity, says Tripura CM Manik Saha

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has stressed the need for the implementation of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) to strengthen multimodal corridors connecting the Northeast with the rest of the country and neighbouring regions, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The KMTTP is a strategic India-Myanmar initiative aimed at connecting India’s Northeast region with the sea via Haldia, using a combination of sea, river and road transport through Myanmar. The project involves connectivity through Sittwe Port and Paletwa in Myanmar to Zorinpui in Mizoram, and is designed to bypass the congested Siliguri Corridor to support regional trade and development.

The project has been developed to bypass Bangladesh, keeping in mind the rapidly changing geopolitical situation in the region.

The chief minister made the remarks during a meeting of the high-level task force for infrastructure and connectivity development in the Northeast, held on Monday. Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia chaired the meeting virtually from Delhi on Monday.

Saha said the Northeast region has significant potential for progress and development, particularly in infrastructure and communication systems. He said coordinated steps are required to identify and address issues faced by Northeastern states in areas such as road, rail and air connectivity, waterways, electricity, gas and digital connectivity.

The chief minister also laid emphasis on identifying priority areas for the development of the Northeastern states, including regional infrastructure macro-grids, power, oil, natural gas, tourism and border trade space. He presented a proposed outline for the development of these sectors through a report.

“The implementation of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project for strengthening the multimodal corridors connecting the northeast with the rest of the country and neighbours will play a key role in boosting the regional and international connectivity with the northeastern states,” Saha said.

Apart from the Union Minister for DoNER, senior officials of the ministry and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma participated in the meeting.