Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project to be fully operational by 2027: Sarbananda Sonowal
Sarbananda Sonowal
said that Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's Northeast and Myanmar is set to be fully operational by 2027.
He announced multiple initiatives by the Government to boost the waterways and maritime sector in the Northeastern region with investment of Rs 5,000 crores. Around 50,000 youth from the Northeast will be trained for maritime jobs.
Sonowal while talking to media persons in Guwahati on Monday said, '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 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.'
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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 from Sittwe.
From Teknaf Port goods can be transported by road to Sabroom which is 300 kms away. Sabroom has an Integrated customs border between Bangladesh and Tripura. Sittwe port and
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
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He added, '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.'
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 crores. Both the centres are likely to produce 500 jobs annually.
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 have 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 operationalization 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.
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 suction dredgers, backed by an investment of Rs 610 crore.
Sonowal also announced plans to develop 85 community jetties across the Northeast to improve local connectivity.
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 & 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 to provide accurate local weather forecasts.
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