National Desk, 9 May: Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport & Communications Admiral Tin Aung San of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
The first Indian cargo ship which departed from Kolkata’s Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, was also welcomed on this occasion.
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) which is supported through grant aid assistance from the Government of India includes the development of the Sittwe Port. The KMTTP’s waterway and road components will connect India’s east coast to the north-eastern states via the Sittwe port once completely operational.
Sittwe Port’s opening would boost cross-border and regional trade while also boosting Rakhine State’s local economy. The Port’s improved connectivity will increase the region’s growth potential and create job opportunities.
Speaking to the crowd at the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the close historical, cultural and economic linkages between India and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, Sonowal said, “Historic milestone for & connectivity! Delighted to inaugurate the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar by receiving the first cargo vessel here in presence of Myanmar Dy PM and Transport & Communication Minister Admiral Tin Aung San.”
This project was designed to offer Mizoram an alternate means of connecting with Haldia, Kolkata, or any other Indian ports via the Kaladan River in Myanmar. The project calls for highway and road transportation from Mizoram to Paletwa in Myanmar, inland water transportation from Paletwa to Sittwe in Myanmar, and marine transportation from Sittwe to any port in India.