Mizoram Road to Connect with Myanmar’s Sittwe Port by November

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal/ October 31, 2023 (SPN) | Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Monday that a cross-border road, part of the ambitious Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), will soon connect south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district with Myanmar’s Sittwe port. This vital Myanmar-Mizoram road link is set to be completed by November this year, as shared during a rally in West Phaileng, Dampa assembly constituency, located in Mizoram’s Mamit district, which shares its border with Bangladesh. The 26-kilometer road project comes at a cost of Rs. 1,132 crore.

Gadkari said that the Mizoram road within the Kaladan project is on track for completion by November, offering a crucial link to Myanmar’s Sittwe port. He also stressed the significance of enhancing infrastructure and communication to promote comprehensive development. He highlighted how improved infrastructure attracts investments in industry and agriculture, leading to job creation and poverty eradication, which is a fundamental aspect of development.

In addition to the cross-border road project, Gadkari revealed plans for a massive Rs. 20,000-crore road initiative aimed at connecting Mizoram with Nagaland, Manipur in the northeastern region, and the international boundary of Myanmar.

The minister also took pride in the expansion of national highways, citing the remarkable increase from 986 kilometers in 2014 to 1,478 kilometers in 2023 during his tenure. He noted the completion of around 355 kilometers of road construction in Mizoram, amounting to Rs. 8,000 crore, since he assumed leadership of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Furthermore, Gadkari announced the anticipated completion of a 373-kilometer road project between Aizawl and Tuipang in the southern region of Mizoram by June of the following year. This Rs. 7,361-crore project will connect six districts of Mizoram, including Aizawl and Serchhip, while also establishing the Myanmar-Mizoram road link. The project is expected to foster economic growth, trade, and employment opportunities.

To address traffic congestion in the state capital, the Centre is planning to construct an Aizawl bypass road, which is estimated to cost Rs. 2,500 crore. This project includes a 35-kilometer stretch and a 2.5-kilometer tunnel and is scheduled for completion by December 2025.