Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project -UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has hailed the inaugural run of the vessel from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to Sittwe Port Myanmar developed under Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

KALADAN PROJECT: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/sittwe-port

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 as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.

About

The Kaladan Road Project connects the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea.
In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route, and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
Paletwa is less than 20 km from the Bangladesh border.

Project Components in a nutshell,

Significance of the Project

This 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, also known as Chicken's Neck.
It also provides a strategic link to the North-East, thereby reducing pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.
This project, which will connect Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border, is expected to contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India, by opening up the sea route for the products.
It was necessary to strengthen land connectivity and integrate the economic development on the Northeast with that of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Such linkages would also increase India’s strategic footprints in East Asia and more importantly in our immediate neighborhood.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project is the cornerstone of India-Myanmar economic, commercial and strategic ties. Write a detailed not on the significance of the project.