Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has made a strong appeal to the central government, urging it to treat the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project as a top priority. This call comes in response to the changing political and administrative landscape in neighboring Bangladesh.
Emphasis on Multimodal Corridors at High-Level Meet
Saha presented his case during the third meeting of the high-level task force on infrastructure and connectivity for the Northeastern region. He stressed that enhancing multimodal transport corridors is no longer just an option but a critical necessity. The goal is to forge stronger links between the landlocked Northeast and the rest of India, as well as with neighboring countries.
The Chief Minister outlined a vision where the northeastern states could transform into a strategic gateway to the Bay of Bengal and the economically vibrant ASEAN nations. He argued that this requires focused development on several fronts.
- Creation of integrated logistics hubs.
- Modernization and expansion of freight rail systems.
- Building cohesive energy and digital infrastructure networks.
A Coordinated Strategy for Regional Challenges
Saha underscored that achieving this vision demands unprecedented collaboration among all the states in the Northeast. He pointed out that isolated efforts would be insufficient to overcome the region's persistent infrastructure deficits.
The Chief Minister presented a detailed strategy, formulated by the Task Force, to tackle these issues head-on. The plan calls for coordinated actions to address challenges across multiple sectors essential for growth and integration.
The strategy specifically targets improvements in road and rail connectivity, air links, inland waterways, and reliable supplies of electricity and gas. Equally important is the push for robust digital connectivity to bring the region into the digital mainstream.
Concerns Over Bangladesh's Political Climate
A significant part of Saha's address focused on the situation across the border. He expressed clear concern regarding the ongoing crisis within Bangladesh's administration, noting a worrying absence of rule of law in the country.
While highlighting these concerns, Saha assured that the Indian government is closely monitoring the developments. He stated that India stands ready to respond appropriately to the evolving situation as and when it becomes necessary.
The push to fast-track the Kaladan project is seen as a direct response to these external uncertainties. The project is envisioned as a key alternative route connecting the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and then onward to Mizoram and the wider Northeast via river and road transport.
