NEW DELHI, June 25 - To ease the burden on Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and to expedite the work on Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between IWAI and India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL).
The MoU was signed for implementation of three additional works, which are independent of the on-going works and are estimated to cost Rs 476 crore.
The project work include container handling facilities at Sittwe and Paletwa, operation and maintenance of the completed works and wrecks removed in Sittwe Port basin area, said official sources here.
It was clarified that IWAI will remain as the overall Project Development Consultant (PDC) to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for implementation of port and Inland Water Transport (IWT) component of Kaladan project.
The IPGPL has been established as a Joint Venture between Kandla Port Trust and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust for the purpose of development of ports overseas. IPGPL was asked to partner IWAI in the Kaladan project as sub-PDC, disclosed sources.
This was suggested mainly to use and develop the capabilities of IPGPL which has been created for a specialised purpose, completing the implementation of Kaladan project within the scheduled timeframe of April 2019 and to provide relief to IWAI, whose responsibilities have increased manifold due to declaration of 106 new National Waterways and implementing the ambitious �Jal Marg Vikas� project, said sources.
Sources said the KMTTP in Myanmar was conceptualised and is being administered by MEA to facilitate connectivity between the mainland and North Eastern States through maritime shipping, inland waterways and roads of Myanmar.
The link between NE and Myanmar will pave the way for enhanced trade and commerce. MEA had appointed IWAI as the PDC for the implementation of the Port and IWT component of Kaladan Project in 2009.
