India is advancing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) to create a direct sea and land route from Kolkata to the Northeast through Myanmar, reducing dependence on Bangladesh.
Why This Matters
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Bangladesh’s interim leader claimed Northeast India is “landlocked” and relies on Bangladesh for sea access.
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PM Modi responded by emphasizing unity at the BIMSTEC Summit.
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India seeks alternative connectivity routes for strategic and economic reasons.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)
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Sea Route: Kolkata to Sittwe Port, Myanmar (539 km)
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Inland Waterway: Sittwe to Paletwa via Kaladan River (158 km)
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Road Link: Paletwa to Zorinpui on India-Myanmar border (110 km)
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Indian Extension: Zorinpui → Mizoram → National Highways
Benefits:
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Bypasses Bangladesh, ensuring uninterrupted access to the Northeast.
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Provides an alternative to the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck).
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Boosts India-Myanmar and ASEAN trade ties.
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Supports India’s Act East Policy.
Shillong-Silchar Strategic Highway
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Length: 166.8 km, 4-lane expressway (NH-6)
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Cost: ₹22,864 crore, completion targeted by 2030
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Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM): Govt funds 40%, private developer 60%
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Infrastructure: 19 major bridges, 34 viaducts, 22 underpasses, 26 overpasses
Impact:
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Cuts Shillong-Silchar travel time from 8.5 to 5 hours.
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Connects Silchar, gateway to Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Barak Valley.
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Complements the Kaladan Project to reduce dependence on Bangladesh.