The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine state, Myanmar, via sea. From Sittwe, the project extends inland through the Kaladan river to Paletwa and then, via road, to Mizoram in India’s northeast. With an estimated cost of $484 million, the project is being piloted and funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, under the “Aid to Myanmar” initiative. It aims to enhance regional connectivity, bolster trade and strengthen India’s strategic footprint in Southeast Asia. Once completed, the project will offer an efficient alternative to the Siliguri Corridor, significantly enhancing connectivity for India’s north-eastern states.
Current status
The KMTTP has faced significant delays over the years due to challenges arising from political instability and civil conflict in Myanmar.
While most components of the project are completed, including the construction of Sittwe port, the river terminal at Paletwa and the dredging of the 158 km stretch of the Kaladan river, and the critical Paletwa-Zorinpui highway remains unfinished. This 109 km road segment, passing through dense jungle and challenging terrain under the influence of the Arakan Army, is essential for the project’s full functionality. To expedite the road’s construction, a consortium of five Myanmar-based firms, including a government-affiliated company, has been formed. This consortium has signed an agreement with the Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON), which was awarded the contract by the Indian government nearly two years ago.
Project specifications
This ambitious project spans multiple modes of transport, starting with the sea route component that spans 539 km (335 miles) from Kolkata to Sittwe. This route has been operational for decades, but recent upgrades now enable Sittwe port to handle 40,000 tonnevessels, doubling its earlier limit. The next segment, an inland waterway of 158 km (98 miles) along the Kaladan river from Sittwe to Paletwa, includes the construction of Sittwe port, river dredging and the development of a jetty at Paletwa. These components were completed in June 2017, and six 300 tonne capacity barges were handed over to Myanmar to facilitate cargo movement.
From Paletwa, the project transitions to a 108 km (67 mile) road connecting to Zorinpui at the Indo-Myanmar border. The construction of this road is divided into two packages. The first package, covering the Paletwa to Kaletwa stretch (67 km), was completed in March 2024. The second package, spanning 48.5 km from Kaletwa to Zorinpui, is currently under construction. Once finished, this stretch will be a two-lane road in each direction, providing robust connectivity.
On the Indian side, a 110 km (68 mile) road connects Zorinpui to Aizawl in Mizoram, integrating with National Highway (NH)-54 (Lawngtlai to Aizawl). This segment has been upgraded to an all-weather, four-
lane highway, enhancing connectivity to Guwahati and the larger East-West Corridor. These developments will significantly reduce the travel distance between Kolkata and Mizoram to 930 km, saving 2-3 days of transit time, while easing the pressure on the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor.
The project also envisions potential rail connectivity. The Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway line (90 km) in Myanmar has been operational since 2011, with plans for future extensions to integrate with Myanmar’s rail network and China’s Kyaukpyu-Minbu-Kunming high-speed railway. Surveys for a 375 km rail link from Zorinpui to Aizawl have also been completed, providing a foundation for future expansion.A notable addition is the development of a special economic zone (SEZ) near Sittwe at Ponnagyun town, 60 km upstream of the Kaladan river, on 1,000 acres of land.
Mapping the economic significance
By reducing the transportation distance between Kolkata and Sittwe port by approximately 1,328 km, the project will streamline logistical operations and alleviate dependence on the congested Siliguri Corridor. Additionally, the direct link between Sittwe port in Myanmar and the India-Myanmar border will open up new sea trade routes, fostering economic growth in the north-eastern region of India.
From a strategic standpoint, the project is equally significant. It represents a major step in strengthening India’s geopolitical footprint in East Asia and fortifying relationships with its immediate neighbours. By offering an alternative route to the chicken’s neck (Siliguri Corridor), the KMTTP enhances India’s control over its north-eastern frontier while mitigating logistical vulnerabilities associated with the narrow corridor.
Sustainable moves
A key feature of the project has been its focus on sustainability and modern technology. Sittwe port was upgraded using advanced marine engineering to handle larger vessels, while dredging of the Kaladan river employed specialised dredgers, ensuring minimal environmental disruption. For the Paletwa jetty, reinforced concrete was used to withstand seasonal floods and heavy cargo loads. The road construction from Paletwa to Zorinpui used soil stabilisation techniques and modular bridges for efficiency and stability in challenging terrains. Sustainability was a priority, with recycled materials and low-carbon cement used in road and port infrastructure. Reforestation efforts and soil erosion control methods were implemented to mitigate the environmental impact. The project also leveraged geographic information
systems (GIS) for precise mapping and monitoring. Solar-powered lighting and intelligent traffic management were used in road construction to reduce energy
consumption. Additionally, building information modelling (BIM) streamlined coordination and optimised design and construction schedules.
The way forward
Looking ahead, the Kaladan project is set to integrate seamlessly with Myanmar’s existing and planned
infrastructure. The operational Sittwe-Kyaukhtu Railway, extended further to Ann and Minbu, will connect Myanmar’s rail network with the Kaladan transport corridor. In India, plans are underway to survey and construct a railway link from Zorinpui to Aizawl, complementing the road and river transport modes.
In conclusion, the KMTTP represents a bold step towards redefining regional connectivity. By integrating cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices and strategic foresight, the project addresses long-standing logistical challenges while unlocking new economic opportunities. Upon completion, it will not only transform trade and mobility in the region but also serve as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and regional cooperation.
