Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced Monday that the ambitious Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project between India and Myanmar will be operational by 2027. The project aims to reduce Northeast India's distance from the rest of the country by 700 km, specifically shortening the route between Aizawl and Kolkata.

Speaking at a press conference, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that Sittwe port in Myanmar is ready, with road connectivity to Aizawl currently under development. The ministry is investing Rs 1,000 crore in developing the project's waterways component.

Sonowal emphasized that the Northeast will play a crucial role in India's economic prosperity, with the government aiming to develop the region as South Asia's business hub through improved transportation infrastructure.