Agartala, July 08, 2025: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Sunday highlighted the strategic importance of the Sittwe Port in Myanmar and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), stating that the initiative will drastically reduce transportation time and logistics costs for Tripura and the wider Northeast region.

Speaking on the sidelines of an official briefing, Sonowal said, “From Kolkata, goods can be shipped to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and from there, via the Teknaf Port in Bangladesh—which is only 60 nautical miles from Sittwe—they can be transported by road to Sabroom in Tripura, just 300 km away. This connectivity will not only shorten travel time but also offer a cost-effective alternative to existing routes.”

He added that the Kaladan Project, a product of the India-Myanmar Friendship Treaty, is expected to be fully operational by 2027. “The Sittwe Port and Kaladan initiative will be a game-changer for Tripura,” he said.

Highlighting the potential trade flow, Sonowal noted that major exports from Sittwe Port would include rice, timber, seafood, petroleum products, and textiles, while imports are expected to consist of key construction materials like cement, steel, and bricks.

As part of broader plans to enhance regional logistics, the Union Minister also revealed that Tripura is being integrated into the Inland Water Transport (IWT) network. “Efforts are underway to connect Tripura with Bangladesh’s Teknaf Port, and to expand IWT infrastructure in the state, including initiatives to promote water-based tourism,” Sonowal said.

He emphasized the strategic significance of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), which allows the region to bypass the congested Siliguri Corridor and unlocks new trade opportunities with neighboring countries. “This is aligned with our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he noted.

Responding to queries on the progress of the Kaladan project, the Union Minister said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast is at the heart of Bharat’s development agenda. The swift execution of Sittwe Port reflects the transformative ‘Act East’ policy. Once operational, this route will benefit not just Northeast India, but also Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, creating strong links with Southeast Asia.”

He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth: “This milestone is a true embodiment of Modi ji’s philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas—a collective effort for inclusive development.”