Tripura CM Pushes Kaladan Project, Multimodal Connectivity for Northeast

By Admin

25 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has reiterated the strategic importance of accelerating infrastructure development in India’s Northeast, with a strong push for the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and integrated multimodal connectivity. Addressing the third meeting of the High-Level Task Force for Infrastructure and Connectivity Development in the Northeast, Saha emphasized that seamless connectivity is critical to transforming the region into a key economic and logistics gateway linking India with Southeast Asia.

Focus on Kaladan Multimodal Project
The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project remains a cornerstone of India’s Act East policy, offering an alternative trade and transit route connecting the Northeast to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar. Chief Minister Saha stressed the need for swift implementation of the project, noting that delays could slow the region’s economic momentum. Once operational, the Kaladan corridor is expected to significantly reduce transportation time and cost, enhance trade efficiency, and provide landlocked Northeastern states improved access to global markets.

Gateway to Bay of Bengal and ASEAN
During the meeting, Saha highlighted the Northeast’s potential to emerge as a gateway to the Bay of Bengal and ASEAN countries. He underlined the importance of developing integrated logistics hubs supported by freight rail networks, waterways, and modern road infrastructure. According to him, a well-connected Northeast can serve as a strategic bridge between India and neighbouring countries, strengthening regional trade, tourism, and cross-border economic cooperation.

Integrated Infrastructure Planning
The meeting, virtually chaired by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, focused on addressing connectivity gaps across multiple sectors. Discussions covered coordinated measures to strengthen road, rail, air, inland waterways, power, gas, and digital infrastructure. Saha identified priority areas such as regional infrastructure grids, power generation and transmission, oil and gas networks, tourism infrastructure, and border trade facilities. He stressed that synchronized development across these sectors is essential for long-term economic resilience.

Role of Energy and Digital Connectivity
Beyond physical transport networks, Saha also emphasized the importance of energy and digital infrastructure in supporting economic growth. Reliable power supply, expanded gas pipelines, and robust digital connectivity are seen as enablers for industrial development, startups, and service-sector expansion in the region. Enhanced digital infrastructure, in particular, can help bridge geographical challenges and integrate the Northeast more closely with national and global value chains.

Centre–State Coordination
Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia praised the Tripura government’s integrated planning approach and foresight. He expressed confidence that improved connectivity would unlock the Northeast’s vast growth potential and deepen India’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia. Scindia highlighted that strong Centre–State coordination is crucial for timely execution of large-scale infrastructure projects and for ensuring that investments translate into tangible development outcomes.

Conclusion
The renewed push for the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and broader multimodal connectivity reflects a clear strategic vision for the Northeast. By positioning the region as a logistics and trade gateway to the Bay of Bengal and ASEAN, policymakers aim to drive inclusive growth, enhance regional integration, and strengthen India’s geopolitical and economic footprint in Southeast Asia. With focused implementation and coordinated planning, improved connectivity could mark a turning point in the Northeast’s development journey.