Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Difference between revisions

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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}

[[File:Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.svg|thumb|Route map of the transport project]]

The '''Kaladan Road Project'''<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last=Purushothaman|first=Vakkom|url=http://tntmagazine.in/news/mizoram/kaladan-multi-modal-transit-transport-project-to-link-sea-route-in-myanmar-with-mizoram/|title=Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project to link sea route in Myanmar with Mizoram|newspaper=The Northeast Times|access-date=11 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415053036/http://tntmagazine.in/news/mizoram/kaladan-multi-modal-transit-transport-project-to-link-sea-route-in-myanmar-with-mizoram/|archive-date=15 April 2012}}</ref> ({{langx|my|ကုလားတန်မြစ်ကြောင်း ဘက်စုံဖွံ့ဖြိုးရေး စီမံကိန်း}}) is a US$484 million project connecting 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. All components of the project, including Sittwe port and power, river [[dredging]], and Paletwa jetty, have been completed,<ref name=update2>[https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/north/still-under-construction-1502635461.html Still under construction], ''The Statesman'', 13 May 2018.</ref><ref name=update3>[https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/india-starts-construction-of-1600-cr-mizoram-myanmar-kaladan-road/article23577107.ece India starts construction of ₹1,600-cr Mizoram-Myanmar Kaladan road], ''Business Line'', 17 April 2018.</ref> except the under construction Zorinpui-Paletwa road.<ref name=jats1>[https://theprint.in/diplomacy/110-km-road-is-final-challenge-for-long-delayed-india-myanmar-kaladan-connectivity-project/629247/ 110-km road is final challenge for long-delayed India-Myanmar Kaladan connectivity project], The Print, 29 March, 2021.</ref> Originally, the project was scheduled to be completed by 2014, but end-to-end project is expected to be fully operational only by '''MarchDecember 2023''' as per MarchNovember 20212023 update.<ref name=jats1/>

The route of the project around Paletwa and along the [[Kaladan river]] is troubled with [[Chin people#History and politics|Chin conflict]], [[Rohingya conflict]] and militant groups such as [[Arakan Army (Kachin State)|Arakan Army]] and [[Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army]] (ARSA).<ref name=mand4>[https://www.firstpost.com/india/buddhist-refugees-in-mizoram-begin-journey-back-to-myanmar-but-unconfirmed-tales-of-horror-keep-them-on-edge-4383481.html Buddhist refugees in Mizoram begin journey back to Myanmar, but unconfirmed tales of horror keep them on edge], ''First Post''</ref><ref name=mand5>[https://thewire.in/politics/ne-dispatch-home-of-shillong-times-editor-attacked-sikkim-faces-vegetable-shortage NE Displaced people], The Wire.</ref> Among these the ARSA, created by Pakistan's [[Lashkar-e-Toiba]] and has links with [[Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen]] in Bangladesh and the [[Indian Mujahideen]] in India,<ref name=terror1>[https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/myanmar-calling/cid/1461895 Myanmar calling], ''The Telegraph''</ref> was behind the mass killing of Hindu [[Burmese Indians]] in the [[Kha Maung Seik massacre]].<ref name="amnesty">{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-myanmar-rohingya-idUKKCN1BZ0RL |title=Myanmar says bodies of 28 Hindu villagers found in Rakhine State|first=wa Lone, Shoon |last=Naing |date=25 September 2017|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><ref name="AmnestyInt">{{cite web|title=Myanmar: New evidence reveals Rohingya armed group massacred scores in Rakhine State | url = https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/05/myanmar-new-evidence-reveals-rohingya-armed-group-massacred-scores-in-rakhine-state/|website=www.amnesty.org}}</ref>

Paletwa is less than {{convert|20|km|abbr=on}} from the Bangladesh border.

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==History==

This project will reduce the distance from [[Kolkata]] to [[Sittwe]] by approximately {{convert|1328|km|abbr=on}} and will reduce the need to transport goods through the narrow [[Siliguri]] corridor, also known as [[Chicken's Neck (India)|Chicken's Neck]].

Initially India had tried to persuade [[Bangladesh]] to offer transport and transit rights to the northeastern states.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Egreteau |first=Renaud |date=2011 |title=A Passage to Burma? India, Development and Democratization in Myanmar |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13569775.2011.619771|journal=Contemporary Politics|volume=17|issue=4|doi=10.1080/13569775.2011.619771 |pages=467–486 |s2cid=153496597|url-access=subscription }}</ref> However, [[Bangladesh]] has consistently refused to grant such rights, including access to its [[Chittagong]] port, which is less than {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} away from [[Agartala]], the capital of [[Tripura]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Phukan|first=Papori|title=Kaladan Multi-Modal Project In Myanmar|url=http://manipuronline.com/look-east-policy/kaladan-multi-modal-project-in-myanmar/2010/12/19|access-date=11 August 2012|newspaper=Manipur Online|archive-date=16 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616121801/http://manipuronline.com/look-east-policy/kaladan-multi-modal-project-in-myanmar/2010/12/19|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The project is being piloted and funded by the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)]]. The preliminary feasibility studies were carried out by [[RITES|Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES)]]. Construction work on [[Sittwe]] port and the boat jetty in [[Paletwa]], as well as the dredging work, will be executed by the [[Inland Waterways Authority of India]] (IWAI), with Essar Projects Ltd, a division of the [[Essar Group]] appointed in May 2010 as the main contractor.<ref>{{cite web |work=Arakan Rivers |title=Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project|url=http://www.arakanrivers.net/?page_id=135 |access-date=11 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529113016/http://www.arakanrivers.net/?page_id=135 |archive-date=29 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

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Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project initially faced problems such as underestimation of the road length in [[Myanmar]] and plans to construct hydro-electric projects — [[Chhimtuipui|Chhimtuipui River]] and [[Lungleng River]] — on two tributaries of the [[Kaladan River]] followed by another project downstream. That the first two projects are being built by one public sector undertaking and the third is being constructed by another PSU (Public Sector Unit) has also led to coordination issues. Due to construction of this hydro electrical projects, navigation of boats could be effected.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dikshit|first=Sandeep|title=India-Myanmar transport project hits roadblock|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3377718.ece|access-date=11 August 2012|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>

In April 2017, the SitweeSittwe port ANDand IWT Paletwa jetty were ready and operational.<ref name=miz1/> In April 2017, India handed over the operation of completed Sittwe port and Inland Water Terminal at Paletwa to Myanmar. In June 2017, India handed six gas tanker cargo vessels worth US$81.29 million (K110.08 billion) to the Myanmar government to transport gas to north-east India via [[Manipur]]. Work on the port in Sittwe and the IWT in Paletwa, Chin State, is in its final stages, and the six cargo vessels are meant to facilitate transportation of goods from Sittwe to Paletwa. The $81.29 million cost of the vessels was met through a grant from India. The construction work was assigned to IWT in October 2012, the keels were laid in March 2013 and the vessels were launched between April and December 2016. On completion of the tests and trials at Yangon, the vessels reached Sittwe in March 2017. Acceptance trials were completed in April 2017 in Sittwe.<ref name=miz1>[http://www.mizzima.com/news-domestic/six-cargo-vessels-handed-over-myanmar-india vessels handed over to Myanmar by India], Mizzima, 2 June 2017.</ref>

In June 2017, after several upward budget revisions and troubles in finding contractors, the INR1,600-crore (US$250 million) contract has been finally awarded to an Indian company C&C construction for building 109-km road connecting IWT Paletwa river terminal to Zorinpui in Mizoram border. The contractor would open offices at Sittwe, Paletwa and Yangon in Myanmar, mobilise men and machine during the monsoon and start construction after the monsoon in October.<ref name=biz1/>

In 2019, India and Myanmar launched [[Operation Sunrise (2019)|Operation Sunrise]], a joint military effort to dismantle insurgent group camps, especially the Arakan Army, threatening the Kaladan Project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-17 |title=Operation Sunrise: India-Myanmar target insurgent groups camp in North East |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sunrise-india-myanmar-target-insurgent-groups-camp-in-north-east-1550835-2019-06-17 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

India plans to open the Kaladan project by 2027.<ref> [https://myanmar-now.org/mm/news/65443/ ၂၀၂၇ တွင် အသက်ဝင်မည့် အိန္ဒိယ၏ ကုလားတန်စီမံကိန်းနှင့် AA ၏ အခန်းကဏ္ဍ (The role of Arakan Army in the implementation of India's 2027 Kaladan plan)]. [[Myanmar Now]]. July 24, 2025.</ref>

==Route==

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* '''Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route - {{convert|539|km|abbr=on}}''' from seaport of [[Kolkata]] in India to [[Sittwe]] seaport in [[Myanmar]] via [[Bay of Bengal]]. This sea route has been operational for several decades. Port upgrade, from 20,000 ton vessels to 40,000 ton capacity vessels, has been '''completed.'''

* '''Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jettyriver boat route - {{convert|158|km|abbr=on}}'''' from [[Sittwe]] seaport to Inland Water Terminal (IWT) and hydro power project at [[Paletwa]] jetty via [[Kaladan river]] in [[Myanmar]]. River dredging and jetty upgrade completed in June 2017.<ref name=biz1/><ref name=mand3>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-ramps-myanmar-ties-gain-foothold-asean.html|title=India ramps up Myanmar ties to gain foothold in ASEAN|date=15 May 2018|website=The Myanmar Times|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516112626/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-ramps-myanmar-ties-gain-foothold-asean.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is at least one [[Lock (water navigation)|river lock]] for navigation.<ref name=lock1>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20181127193824/http://stsfor.org/content/indias-infrastructure-development-projects-myanmar-game-changer-region-part-2-3 India's connectivity to Myanmar]}}.</ref> Six barges of 300 ton capacity each were handed over to Myanmar by the government of India.<ref name=ton1>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/cabinet-clears-revised-cost-for-kaladan-multi-modal-transit-transport-project-115101400905_1.html Delay in Kaladan project], ''Business Standard'', 2018.</ref> '''Completed.'''<ref name=update2/> <br>Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town {{convert|60|km|mi}} north from Sittwe upstream of [[Kaladan River]] at Ponnagyun town is being built by India on 1000 acres.<ref name=sez1/><ref name=biz1/>

* '''Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar - {{convert|62108|km|abbr=on}}''' two-lane in each direction (4 lanes total) road route from IWT [[Paletwa]] to [[Zochachhuah|Zochawchhuah]](India)–Zorinpui (Myanmar) at Indo-Myanmar border in [[Myanmar]]. Construction contract of INR1600 crore (16 billion) was awarded to [[Ircon International|Ircon]] in June 2017,<ref name=biz1/><ref name=mand2/> and construction commenced in April 2018,<ref name=mandalay1>[https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-myanmar-land-border-crossing-open-sushma-swaraj-imphal-mandalay-bus-service-5305229/ Road to Mandalay] ''Indian Express'', June 2018.</ref> after all the necessary approvals were granted by the Myanmar govt in January 2018.<ref name=mand2>[https://thenortheasttoday.com/archive/mizoram-to-get-connected-with-sittwe-port-in-rakhine-state-of-myanmar-via-1600-cr-road/ Mizoram to get connected with Sittwe port]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}.</ref> [[Borders of India#India–Myanmar border|Integrated Customs & Immigration Checkpost]] at Zochawchhuah-Zorinpui has been operational since 2017. Tender for the road upgrade was awarded in 2017, currently under-construction and '''to be completed by March 2023''' as per March 2021 update.<ref name=update2jooats1/><ref name=jats1>[https://theprint.in/diplomacy/110-km-road-is-final-challenge-for-long-delayed-india-myanmar-kaladan-connectivity-project/629247/ 110-km road is final challenge for long-delayed India-Myanmar Kaladan connectivity project], The Print, 29 March, 2021.</ref>

** '''Package-I: Paletwa inland jetty to Kaletwa road route in Myanmar - {{convert|67|km|abbr=on}}''' is '''Complete''' as per March 2024 update.<ref name=jooats1/><ref name=jooats3/>

* '''Zorinpui to Aizaw road route in India - {{convert|110|km|abbr=on}}''' from Indo-Myanmar border at Zorinpui to Aizawl. From Aizawl it connect to Aizawl-Saiha National Highway at [[Lawngtlai]] in [[Mizoram]], India by road on [[National Highway 54 (India)]] (NH-54), which then continues further to [[Dabaka]] in [[Assam]] via {{convert|850|km|abbr=on}} long NH-54 which in turn is part of the larger [[North–South and East–West Corridor#East-West Corridor|East–West Corridor]] connecting [[North East India]] with the rest of India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arakanrivers.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Kaladan-Mov.png |title=Multi-modal route map |access-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822053547/http://www.arakanrivers.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Kaladan-Mov.png |archive-date=22 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Almost complete (June 2017).<ref name=biz1>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/india-awards-road-contract-to-complete-kaladan-project-in-myanmar/article9723297.ece India awards road contract to complete Kaladan project in Myanmar], ''Business Line'', 9 June 2017.</ref> Awarded, upgrade to this national highway is under-construction and '''to be completed by March 2023.''' as per March 2021 update.<ref name=jats1/> <br>In June 2017, {{convert|90|km|abbr=on}} 2-lane route from Indo-Myanmar border at Zochawchhuah-Zorinpui to [[Tuipang]] is almost complete. From Tuipang, the national highway is being further upgraded from 2-lane to all-weather 4-lane from [[National Highway 54 (India)|NH 54]] [[Lawngtlai]] to [[Aizawl]] in [[Mizoram]].<ref name=biz1/> INR6000 crore (60 billion) was approved to further improve this Zochawchhuah–Zorinpui–Aizawl national highway.<ref name=mand2/> [[Siaha]]–Zochawchhuah–Zorinpui missing section of the highway was under construction (April 2018).<ref name=mand2/> Lomasu to [[Lawngtlai]] is a two-lane highway in each direction (total four lanes) and Lawngtlai to [[Aizawl]]–[[Guwahati]] national highway is being widened to 4 lanes in each direction (total 8 lanes).<ref name=high1>[https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-india-appoint-operator-sittwe-port-project.html India appoints post operator], ''Irrawaddy''</ref>

** '''Package-II: Kaletwa to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar - {{convert|48.5|km|abbr=on}}''' is '''under construction''' as per March 2024 update, militants in control of the area have assured cooperation and security for the completion of the road.<ref name=jooats2> [https://cenjows.in/preserving-indian-interests-during-ongoing-disturbances-in-myanmar/ Preserving Indian Interests during Ongoing Disturbances in Myanmar]. Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. Manshi Suhag. July 9, 2024. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214010615/https://cenjows.in/preserving-indian-interests-during-ongoing-disturbances-in-myanmar/|date=December 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name=jooats3>[https://idsa.in/idsacomments/The-Kaladan-Transport-Project-Amidst-the-Civil-War-in-Myanmar-OPDas-220724 The Kaladan Transport Project Amidst the Civil War in Myanmar], IDSA, 22 July 2024. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804094411/https://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/The-Kaladan-Transport-Project-Amidst-the-Civil-War-in-Myanmar-OPDas-220724|date=August 4, 2024}} </ref>

* '''Zorinpui to AizawAizawl road route in India - {{convert|110|km|abbr=on}}''' from Indo-Myanmar border at Zorinpui to Aizawl. From Aizawl it connect to Aizawl-Saiha National Highway at [[Lawngtlai]] in [[Mizoram]], India by road on [[National Highway 54 (India)]] (NH-54), which then continues further to [[Dabaka]] in [[Assam]] via {{convert|850|km|abbr=on}} long NH-54 which in turn is part of the larger [[North–South and East–West Corridor#East-West Corridor|East–West Corridor]] connecting [[North East India]] with the rest of India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arakanrivers.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Kaladan-Mov.png |title=Multi-modal route map |access-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822053547/http://www.arakanrivers.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Kaladan-Mov.png |archive-date=22 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Almost complete (June 2017).<ref name=biz1>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/india-awards-road-contract-to-complete-kaladan-project-in-myanmar/article9723297.ece India awards road contract to complete Kaladan project in Myanmar], ''Business Line'', 9 June 2017.</ref> Awarded,'''Complete''' upgradeas toper thisMarch national2024 highwayupdate.<ref isname=jooats3/><ref undername=jooats1>[https://theprint.in/india/mizoram-constructionmp-meets-myanmar-militants-in-push-to-speed-up-work-on-key-connectivity-project/1985471/ andMizoram MP meets Myanmar militants in push '''to bespeed completedup bywork Marchon 2023.'''key asconnectivity perproject], MarchThe 2021Print, update1 Mar 2024.<ref name=jats1/ref> <br>In June'''Note:''' 2017,The {{convert|90|km|abbr=on}} 2-lane route from Indo-Myanmar border at Zochawchhuah-Zorinpui to [[Tuipang]] is almost complete. From Tuipang, the national highway is beingwas further upgraded from 2-lane to all-weather 4-lane from [[National Highway 54 (India)|NH 54]] [[Lawngtlai]] to [[Aizawl]] in [[Mizoram]].<ref name=biz1/> INR6000 crore (60 billion) was approved to further improve this Zochawchhuah–Zorinpui–Aizawl national highway.<ref name=mand2/> [[Siaha]]–Zochawchhuah–Zorinpui missing section of the highway was under construction (April 2018).<ref name=mand2/> Lomasu to [[Lawngtlai]] is a two-lane highway in each direction (total four lanes) and Lawngtlai to [[Aizawl]]–[[Guwahati]] national highway is beingwas widened to 4 lanes in each direction (total 8 lanes).<ref name=high1>[https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-india-appoint-operator-sittwe-port-project.html India appoints post operator], ''Irrawaddy''</ref>

* '''Shillong-Silchar highway in India - {{convert|166.8|km|abbr=on}}''', from Mawlyngkhung near [[Shillong]] to Panchgram on [[National Highway 6 (India)|NH-6]] near [[Silchar]], will cut travel time between the two cities from 8.5 hours to 5 hours and act as a continuation of Kaladan multi-modal transport project offering a new Rs 22,864 crore high-speed highway between the North-East and Kolkata bypassing Bangladesh, executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and expected to be completed by 2030.<ref name=const1>[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-north-east-link-to-kolkata-will-be-via-sea-giving-bangladesh-a-miss-10011504/ New Northeast–Kolkata Sea Route Via Myanmar To Take Shape Through Shillong–Silchar Highway, Bypassing Bangladesh: Report], IE, 18 May 2025.</ref>

===Complementary railway route===

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This railway route will complement the river–road route of this project in Myanmar-Mizoram:

* '''Sittwe–[[Kyaukhtu]] railway in Myanmar, {{convert|90|km|abbr=on}} – exists and operational:''' This route has been operational since 2011. To integrate with other routes-network in Myanmar, it will be [[Rail transport in Myanmar#Lines under construction|further extended 311 km by 2021–22]], from Kyaukhtu in north to [[Ann, Myanmar|Ann]] in south and then south-east to [[Minbu]] where it will connect to Myanmar rail network as well as {{convert|1,215|km|abbr=on}} long [[Kyaukpyu|Kyaukpyu port]]–Minbu–Kunming high-speed railway [[Kyaukpyu#Kunming-KyaukpyuKyaukphyu Railway|being planned by China]].<ref>[http://www.idsa.in/backgrounder/myanmar-in-chinas-push-into-the-indian-ocean_jmpaul_120316 Myanmar in China’sChina's Push into the Indian Ocean], Joshy M Paul, March 14, 2016, retrieved 20 January 2017</ref>

* '''Kyaukhtu–Zorinpui in Myanmar, {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} – planned but not yet surveyed:''' India has future yet-unapproved plans to fund and construct this missing link.

* '''Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)–[[Sairang]] railway in India, {{convert|375|km|abbr=on}} – being surveyed since Aug-2017:''' Survey for the rail line from [[Sairang]] (Aizawl) to [[Hmawngbuchhuah]] on border near Zochawchhuah–Zorinpui was completed in August 2017 and it will be constructed in future phase.<ref name=railline1>[http://www.powerupconstruction.com/indias-north-east-opensthe-gateway-to-prosperity/ India's north east opened up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127193859/http://www.powerupconstruction.com/indias-north-east-opensthe-gateway-to-prosperity/ |date=27 November 2018 }}, PowerUpConstruction.Com</ref>

===Other projects – alternate route to northeast India===

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===Zorinpui border crossing and visa arrangements ===

[[Borders of India#India–Myanmar border|Integrated Customs & Immigration Checkpost]] at [[Lawngtlai district#Zorinpui Integrated Check Post|Zorinpui]] in [[Lawngtlai district]], is already operational since 2017.<ref name=icp4>[https://www.google.com.sg/search?client=firefox-b&dcr=0&ei=lWJCWr3sLcrJvgS0ory4CA&q=zorinpui+lawngtlai+&oq=zorinpui+lawngtlai+&gs_l=psy-ab.3...5050.12763.0.13049.20.20.0.0.0.0.285.2665.0j13j2.15.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..5.10.1914...0j0i67k1j0i131k1j0i10k1j0i13k1.0.d3bPEkKCEM4 India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh], ''[[Times of India]]'', 1 Oct 2o17.</ref> In early 2018, visa agreement were signed for the citizens of two nations to travel by road for education, medical assistance, tourism and other purposes.<ref name=update1>[https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-ramps-myanmar-ties-gain-foothold-asean.html India ramps up Myanmar ties to gain foothold in ASEAN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516112626/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-ramps-myanmar-ties-gain-foothold-asean.html |date=16 May 2018 }}, ''Myanmar Times'', May 2018.</ref><ref name=update2/> This agreement was operationalised on 9 August 2018.<ref name=mandalay1/> Indians and Myanma citizens with valid passport and visvisa can pass through two official Land Border Crossings at [[Moreh, India|Moreh]] in Manipur ([[Tamu, Myanmar|Tamu]] in [[Sagaing Region]] of Myanmar) and [[Zokhawthar]] in Mizoram ([[RikhawdarRihkhawdar]] in [[Chin State]] of Myanmar).<ref name=mandalay1/>

===Motor Vehicle Agreement===

In 2015, India proposed a trilateral Motor Vehicle Agreement to facilitate seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles among the three countries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plea for Motor vehicle agrement{{sic|agrem|ent|nolink=y}} between India and Myanmar|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/plea-for-motor-vehicle-agrement-between-india-and-myanmar/articleshow/57186840.cms|website=The Economic Times|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> In May 2017, during a visit by Thai officials to Manipur, the state's Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore declared that the draft of the trilateral agreement had already been prepared.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thailand Envoy Visits Manipur|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/thailand-envoy-visits-manipur/|website=Northeast Today|access-date=1 June 2017|date=28 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thai delegation visits Manipur|url=http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/thai-delegation-visits-manipur/|website=www.easternmirrornagaland.com|date=27 May 2017 |access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref> As of May 2018, the signing of Motor vehicle agreement is still pending.<ref name=update2/>

==Related projects==

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====Sittwe Special Economic Zone====

Sittwe Special Economic Zone (Sittwe SEZ) at Ponnagyun town was announced by India's Union Minister of State for External Affairs [[VijayV. KumarK. Singh|V K Singh]] at the India-[[ASEAN]] Foreign Ministers meet at Laos in August 2016. The 1000 acre SEZ will be built {{convert|60|km|mi}} north from Sittwe upstream of [[Kaladan River]] at Ponnagyun town. China is building a rival [[Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone]] and port {{convert|80|km|mi}} south of Sittwe.

<ref name=sez1>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-planning-to-set-up-sez-in-myanmars-sittwe/articleshow/53496839.cms "India planning to set up SEZ in Myanmar's Sittwe"], ''[[The Economic Times]]'', 2 August 2016.</ref><ref name=biz1/>

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Thathay Chaung Hydropower Project(TCHP) is an 1800 megawatt, two dam project being built and financed by India on [[Chindwin River]] in [[Rakhine State]] of Myanmar, a 1,200 megawatt dam at Thamanthi (Manthi) and 600 megawatt dam at Shwejaye. The electricity produced will be supplied to Manipur state of India.<ref name=ongc1/>

====Sitwe–GayaSittwe–Gaya gas pipeline====

There is also to a proposal to build {{convert|1,575|km|abbr=on}} long Sittwe–Aizawl–Silchar–Guwahati–Siliguri–Gaya gas pipeline to transport gas from Sittwe gas field where [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation|ONGC]] and [[GAIL (India) Limited|GAIL]] hold 30 percent stake in oil and gas exploration.<ref name=ongc1>Alexis Rieffel, 2010, [https://books.google.com/books?id=FQsErroCfzsC&pg=PA139&lpg=PA139&dq=sittwe+port+development&sourcepg=bl&ots=uK13sutvBa&sig=0Qc0dv1eH0kygl63yhXtQbbpLhI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiF7O2gsOnVAhUPT48KHSAEBYQ4ChDoAQhZMAs#v=onepage&q=sittwe%20port%20development&f=falsePA139 "Myanmar/Burma: Inside Challenges, Outside Interests"], Brookings Institution Press, pp139, {{ISBN|0815705069}}.</ref>

====Sitwe–Gaya gas pipeline====

There is also to a proposal to build {{convert|1,575|km|abbr=on}} long Sittwe–Aizawl–Silchar–Guwahati–Siliguri–Gaya gas pipeline to transport gas from Sittwe gas field where [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation|ONGC]] and [[GAIL (India) Limited|GAIL]] hold 30 percent stake in oil and gas exploration.<ref name=ongc1>Alexis Rieffel, 2010, [https://books.google.com/books?id=FQsErroCfzsC&pg=PA139&lpg=PA139&dq=sittwe+port+development&source=bl&ots=uK13sutvBa&sig=0Qc0dv1eH0kygl63yhXtQbbpLhI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiF7O2gsOnVAhUPT48KHSAEBYQ4ChDoAQhZMAs#v=onepage&q=sittwe%20port%20development&f=false "Myanmar/Burma: Inside Challenges, Outside Interests"], Brookings Institution Press, pp139, {{ISBN|0815705069}}.</ref>

===Highways ===

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{{main|India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway}}

The India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway (Friendship Highway) is a highway under construction that will connect [[Moreh, India|Moreh]], India with [[Mae Sot]], Thailand via [[Myanmar]].<ref name="Tripoto">{{cite web cn| title=All you want to know about Delhi to Bangkok Road Trip–Myths & Reality | website=Tripoto | url=https://www.tripoto.com/trip/india-delhi-to-thailand-bangkok-by-road | date=11April September 2015 | access-date=20 September 20152025}}</ref> The road is expected to boost trade and commerce in the [[ASEAN–India Free Trade Area]], as well as with the rest of Southeast Asia. India has also proposed extending the highway to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160810/jsp/northeast/story_101585.jsp {{|title=Highway pact after car rally |website=www.telegraphindia.com |url-status=dead link|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811161544/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160810/jsp/northeast/story_101585.jsp |archive-date=August 20212016-08-11}} </ref> The proposed approx {{convert|3,200|km|mi|abbr=on}} route from India to Vietnam is known as the '''East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC)'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Myanmar Road Project Hooks 1.8 Billion Baht From Thailand|url=http://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burma-road-project-hooks-1-8-billion-baht-from-thailand.html|website=The Irrawaddy|access-date=12 February 2017|date=2 February 2017}}</ref>

====Paletwa–Cikha–India Highway ====

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Paletwa–Cikha–India Highway Project is a INR 20 billion (US$315 million) {{convert|645|km|abbr=on}} long under construction [[Paletwa]]–[[Cikha]] road highway in [[Chin State]] of Myanmar, which will also be connected to the Indian border on two places, Paletwa to [[National Highway 502 (India)|NH502]] [[Zochachhuah]] border village<ref name=loc2/> of [[Lawngtlai district]] in south-most Mizoram (main road route of Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport project) and at [[Khenman]] (Myanmar) to [[National Highway 502A (India)|NH102B]] [[Behiang]] border village of [[Churachandpur]] district in southernmost Manipur. On 21 April 2016, [[Chin State]] Chief Minister Pu Lian Luai in Myanmar informed that the project is funded by Indian government, which will connect Paletwa in southern Chin state to Cikha (also misspelt as Chikha in Indian media) sub-town in northern Chin state. New roads will also be built to connect the Paletwa-Chikha highway to villages and towns in Chin state.<ref name=Miz1>[http://mizzima.com/news-domestic/construction-chikha-paletwa-highway-priority Construction of Chikha to Paletwa Highway a priority], ''Mizzima'', April 2016</ref>

==== Zokhawthar–Rihkwadar–KalemyoZokhawthar–Rihkhawdar–Kalemyo Highway====

India–Myanmar Zokhawthar–Rihkwadar–KalemyoZokhawthar–Rihkhawdar–Kalemyo Highway will provide second connection to the [[India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway]] (IMT), between [[National Highway 102B (India)|NH102B]] [[Zokhawthar]] Indian border village of [[Champhai]] district in east Mizoram to RihkwadarRihkhawdar border town in Myanmar, connecting it to IMT {{convert|120|km|abbr=on}} away at [[Kalemyo]],<ref name=hindub1>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/7500crore-road-network-to-boost-northeast-economy/article9559199.ece 7,500-crore road network to boost North-East economy], ''[[The Hindu]]'', 24 February 2017.</ref> where it will connect to the IMT at Kalemyo.<ref name=mandalay1/>

===Railway===

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==See also==

; Nearby major port projects

* [[Sabang, Indonesia|Sabang strategic port development]], India-Indonesia project

* [[Dawei Port Project]] in Myanmar

* [[India–Myanmar barrier#Look-East Connectivity|India's Look-East Connectivity projects]]

; Regional projects

* [[India–Myanmar barrier#Look-East Connectivity|India's Look-East Connectivity projects]]

* [[Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region#Northeast India connectivity projects|India's Northeast Connectivity projects]]

* [[Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation#BIMSTEC priorityPriority sectorsSectors|BIMSTEC projects]]

* [[Mekong-Ganga Cooperation]]

* [[India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway]]

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[[Category:Proposed transport infrastructure in India]]

[[Category:Proposed transport infrastructure in Myanmar]]

[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Mizoram]]

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mizoram]]

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Rakhine State]]