Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP): Strengthening Act East Policy and North-East India’s Connectivity via Myanmar

Relevance: GS II IR

According to the Union Minister, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a major connectivity project that India and Myanmar are working on together, is expected to be operational by 2027. The project, which was initially conceived under India’s Act East Policy, intends to offer a different route for the movement of cargo from Eastern Indian ports, particularly Kolkata, to Sittwe Port in Myanmar and then on to North-East India via Mizoram. The region’s geographic isolation via the constrained Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) prompted the development of this multimodal corridor, which includes both road and riverine transportation.

About KMTTP

In 2008, the Framework Agreement was signed. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal ministry.

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the Project Development Consultant (PDC).
• Waterway Component: From Sittwe Port (Rakhine, Myanmar) to Paletwa in Myanmar, along the Kaladan River.

Along the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, from Paletwa to Zorinpui.

KMTTP’s importance for India

The region is encircled by international boundaries and connected to the rest of India via the “Chicken’s Neck,” a tiny corridor that is only 21 km long.

• It was announced in 2014 and emphasizes India’s neighborhood connectedness. There will be a more than 50% reduction in the time and cost of shipping goods from Kolkata to Aizwal.

Increase commerce and create industries focused on exports, especially in manufacturing and agro-processing.

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Additional NER Connectivity Initiatives

The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project will use Myanmar to link Mae Sot, Thailand, and Moreh, Manipur, India.

• The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT&T) is an agreement between Bangladesh and India that permits inland ships and cruises from one nation to operate on the other’s designated waterways.

Memorandum of Understanding for the use of Bangladesh’s Chattogram and Mongla Ports; Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement.

Mains:

Question: Discuss the strategic significance of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) in enhancing India’s connectivity with its North-Eastern Region. How does it align with India’s Act East Policy?

Mains PYQs:

Question: Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC IAS 2020)

MCQs

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Question: Consider the following statements regarding the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP):

1. It connects Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Bangladesh and further to North-East India via Tripura.
2. It comprises both waterway and road components passing through Myanmar.
3. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is involved in the project’s development.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

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