India–Myanmar Infrastructure Projects

India and Myanmar share a long geographical border and cultural ties that have evolved into a strong developmental partnership focused on enhancing regional connectivity and trade. A key element of this cooperation lies in infrastructure projects, which aim to integrate India’s North-Eastern region with Southeast Asia and strengthen India’s strategic position under the Act East Policy. These projects also contribute to Myanmar’s economic development through improved transport, trade, and communication networks.

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives between India and Myanmar. Conceived to provide an alternate route for the movement of goods to India’s North-East, it links the eastern seaport of Kolkata to Sittwe Port in Myanmar’s Rakhine State by sea and then connects to Paletwa via the Kaladan River. From Paletwa, a road network extends to Zorinpui in Mizoram on the India–Myanmar border.
Key features of the project include:

• Development of Sittwe Port, which serves as a gateway for maritime trade between India and Myanmar.
• Construction of an inland waterway along the Kaladan River between Sittwe and Paletwa.
• Building of a road link from Paletwa to Zorinpui to connect with India’s highway network.

The Kaladan project aims to reduce dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor (the “chicken neck”) for access to the North-East and to enhance economic integration with Myanmar. Despite its strategic significance, the project has encountered delays due to security challenges, difficult terrain, and political instability in Myanmar. Completion is anticipated within the next few years as both governments reaffirm commitment to its operationalisation.

India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway

The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Highway) is another major connectivity project designed to link Moreh (Manipur, India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) through Tamu, Kalewa, and Yangon in Myanmar. Spanning approximately 1,360 kilometres, the highway seeks to facilitate seamless land transport between India and Southeast Asia, thereby fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Key components include:

• Upgradation of the Kalewa–Yagyi section in Myanmar, one of the most challenging segments due to its hilly terrain.
• Development of border infrastructure at Moreh and Tamu to support customs, immigration, and trade activities.
• Extension of connectivity plans to include Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, envisaging an expanded East–West Economic Corridor.

The IMT Highway symbolises India’s commitment to greater regional integration through land connectivity. However, progress has been affected by factors such as funding delays, logistical difficulties, and ongoing conflict in parts of Myanmar. Once completed, the project is expected to boost commerce and provide a critical route for India’s North-East to access ASEAN markets.

Other India–Myanmar Developmental Initiatives

Beyond the two flagship projects, India and Myanmar cooperate on several developmental and community-based infrastructure projects:

• Construction of schools, hospitals, and training centres under India’s grant-in-aid programme.
• Establishment of border haats (markets) to encourage local trade between border communities.
• Development of telecommunication networks and rural electrification projects to improve connectivity in Myanmar’s remote regions.
• Collaboration in capacity-building and human resource development under India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

India’s overall development assistance to Myanmar has exceeded US$1.5 billion, reflecting its long-term commitment to infrastructure and socio-economic cooperation.

Strategic and Economic Importance

The India–Myanmar infrastructure partnership holds both economic and strategic significance:

• Regional Integration: These projects link India’s North-East to ASEAN nations, fostering trade and mobility.
• Alternative Connectivity: The Kaladan project provides India’s North-East with maritime access independent of routes through Bangladesh.
• Economic Growth: Improved connectivity stimulates local industries, tourism, and agriculture in border regions.
• Strategic Balance: Stronger India–Myanmar ties help balance regional influences and strengthen India’s presence in Southeast Asia.
• People-to-People Contact: Cross-border infrastructure supports cultural and social exchanges between communities on both sides of the border.

Challenges and Constraints

Several issues have hindered smooth execution and timely completion of the projects:

• Security Concerns: Insurgency and instability in Myanmar’s Rakhine, Chin, and Sagaing regions have periodically disrupted construction work.
• Political Instability: Changes in Myanmar’s political situation have complicated coordination and on-ground implementation.
• Difficult Terrain: The hilly, forested topography of border regions presents engineering and logistical challenges.
• Administrative Coordination: Synchronising work among multiple agencies and governments requires sustained diplomatic and bureaucratic effort.
• Economic Viability: Ensuring that completed infrastructure translates into tangible commercial benefits remains a key concern.

Future Prospects and Way Forward

The successful completion of India–Myanmar infrastructure projects is essential for achieving the broader goals of India’s Act East Policy. Moving forward, both countries are expected to focus on:

• Expediting construction through enhanced project monitoring and funding efficiency.
• Strengthening security coordination along border regions to safeguard transport corridors.
• Engaging local communities to ensure socio-economic benefits and public support for the projects.
• Integrating with ASEAN corridors, particularly through future extensions of the IMT Highway.
• Promoting sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring minimal ecological disruption and long-term economic viability.