Guwahati Kaladan Project To Cut Aizawl–Kolkata Distance By 700 Km
Guwahati is set to witness a major connectivity transformation as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project nears completion. Slated to be operational by 2027, the corridor will reduce the Aizawl–Kolkata distance by 700 kilometres, enhancing logistical efficiency and boosting trade in the Northeast. With the Sittwe port in Myanmar already functional, final works are now underway to connect the port to Aizawl via road, completing the multimodal network linking the Northeast with India’s eastern coastline.
The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project is a flagship international corridor designed to reduce the Northeast’s geographic isolation and support its economic integration with the rest of India. Once complete, the route will allow cargo from Kolkata to reach Aizawl via sea, river, and road through Myanmar, bypassing the long land route through the Siliguri Corridor. According to authorities overseeing the project, the waterway component, including the Sittwe port and inland river terminals, is now ready, and the focus has shifted to completing road connectivity on the Myanmar side. The entire corridor is expected to be fully operational by 2027. With ₹1,000 crore allocated for developing the inland waterway segment, the project will strengthen India’s Act East policy and position the Northeast as a key gateway to Southeast Asia. Officials emphasised that this strategic corridor will reduce cargo time, lower transport costs, and enable smoother trade flows for local industries.
Authorities have described the Kaladan project as pivotal to transforming the Northeast into a logistics and commercial hub for South and Southeast Asia. The corridor aligns with India’s broader vision of using transportation-led development to integrate border regions into the national economy. The project is being executed in coordination with multiple Indian agencies and the Myanmar government, ensuring multi-modal integration of shipping, inland water transport, and roadways. Once operational, it will not only offer a strategic alternative to the congested Siliguri Corridor but also provide disaster-resilient supply chain continuity. Regional businesses in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura are expected to benefit from improved trade routes to Indian ports and ASEAN markets. Experts indicate that the project could also foster job creation and infrastructure growth in border regions. The Kaladan corridor’s eventual linkage with India’s trilateral highway to Thailand may further enhance cross-border commerce and boost regional diplomacy.
The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project marks a critical leap toward bridging the infrastructural gap between Northeast India and the rest of the country. With its 2027 completion target, the corridor promises to cut travel distances, enhance trade efficiency, and catalyse regional economic growth. As work progresses on road connectivity between Myanmar and Aizawl, the operationalisation of the Sittwe port sets a strong foundation for future multimodal logistics networks. Authorities stress that this initiative is more than just infrastructure—it’s a strategic lifeline for regional development and a stepping stone in India’s engagement with Southeast Asia through trade and connectivity.
