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Source-This post on Kaladan multimodal Project has been created based on the article” 98% Of Kaladan Project’s Cross-Border Road In Mizoram Now complete: Official” published in” REALTYNXT” 28 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Kaladan project is getting delayed due to ongoing Political crisis in Myanmar.
About Kaladan multimodal Project
Background-The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project was jointly identified by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar.
Details of project:
1) It connects the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. It will reduce the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
2) In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route
3) From Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India (Paletwa is less than 20 km from the Bangladesh border).
Components of project: The project involves sea, river, and road transportation:
Sea Route: From Kolkata to Sittwe (539 km).
River Route: Sittwe to Paletwa via the Kaladan River (158 km).
Road Route: Paletwa to Indo-Myanmar border (110 km), and further into Mizoram.
Significance of the project
A) Economic significance
1) The project will reduce the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km. It will reduce the need to transport goods through the narrow Siliguri corridor.
2) This project will connect Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border. It will contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India, by opening up the sea route for the products.
B) Strategic significance
1) This would enhance India’s strategic footprints in East Asia and more importantly in our immediate neighbourhood.
2) It provides an alternative to the Chicken’s Neck. This will lead to enhanced India’s control over its northeastern frontier and reduced logistical vulnerabilities.
3) It will strengthen India’s Act East Policy.
UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news and International relations.
