Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

• The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India signed a Framework Agreement for the construction and operation of a Multi-Modal Transit Transport facility on Kaladan River connecting the Sittwe Port in Myanmar with the state of Mizoram in India and a Protocol for facilitation of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport on 2^nd April 2008 at New Delhi, India.
• The main objectives of the Framework Agreement and Protocols are to extend further developing and strengthening friendly and neighborly relations. Furthermore two governments have agreed to cooperate bilaterally to promote grader economic cooperation by developing of infrastructure projects including transportation facilities.
• Foundation Stone laying ceremony was held at Sittwe Port Area on 19^th December 2010 and the construction of Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal was started on 27^th July, 2012. Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities were completely finished in 2016.
• Moreover, all six barges with associated items have been built and handed over to the Inland Water Transport (IWT), Ministry of Transport and Communications, Government of Myanmar on 26^th June 2017.
• The estimated cost for Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities is USD 160 million and the construction of highway from Paletwa to Myanmar-India border is USD 324 million. The total estimated amount of the whole project is USD 484 million.
• Indian based M/s EPI-C&C JV Company, through Engineering Procurement contract, is carrying through the construction of highway road between Paletwa and Myanmar-India border with IRCONSIL serving as Project Management Consultant. The Construction of highway Road is carried through with the coordination between Ministry of Construction and Indian based M/s EPI-C&C JV Company and the expected to complete around two years.
• The Detailed Project Report(DPR) dealing with proposed New Container Terminal adjacent in the existing Sittwe and Paletwa Jetties has been prepared by AECOM India Private Ltd, India side. Myanmar side has informed the concurrence of proposed New Container Terminal in Sittwe and Paletwa Ports to the Embassy of India.
• Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, representing the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, representing the Republic of India, signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for appointment of a private port operator for operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities on 22^nd October, 2018 at Nay Pyi Taw. The MoU period will be valid until the completion of road component from Paletwa to Zorinpui or five years, which ever earlier.
• According to MoU, The Government of Myanmar and The Government of India were jointly selected and appointed to A to Z Exim Limited as the private port operator for operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities on 3^rd January 2020.
• On 31^st January 2020, Ministry of Transport and Communications handed over the Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities to A to Z Exim Limited for operation and maintenance.
• Nowaday, Port Operator (A to Z Exim Limited) have being planning and arranging to start the port operation in Sittwe Kaladan Port. All relevant authorities in Government of Myanmar assist and cooperate to A to Z Exim Limited.