Landslides disrupt key India-Myanmar corridor as emergency road funds remain unpaid in Mizoram
Recurring landslides on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project road in Lawngtlai have disrupted traffic, while emergency clearance funds have not yet
In Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, a critical overland stretch of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) is being hit repeatedly by monsoon landslides. Around 200 vehicles are reported to use this road daily, and traffic can rise to nearly 300 vehicles on busier days, turning each disruption into a serious daily problem for commuters and transporters.
Emergency clearance carried out with limited resources
Local officials and civil society members say the road is being kept usable only through whatever resources can be mobilised at short notice. They say government money for landslide clearance has yet to be released, forcing field-level agencies to manage smaller emergencies with limited support. The Public Works Department’s Multi Modal Division has continued removing debris, but costs are often said to be covered from personal or locally arranged resources.
Residents and representatives also describe how vehicle owners sometimes step in to clear blocked stretches. In some cases, money has been pooled to hire JCB excavators to move debris and pull out vehicles trapped by landslides. Operators are reported to be paid about ₹5,000 per such effort, reflecting how frequent disruptions are stretching local capacity.
Act East connectivity plans face a monsoon stress test
The KMMTTP is designed to connect Kolkata Port to Myanmar’s Sittwe by sea, continue along the Kaladan River to Paletwa through inland waterways, and then link to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border by road, with connections into Mizoram. When operational, the corridor is expected to support trade between mainland India and the Northeast through Myanmar and strengthen regional connectivity under the Act East Policy.
Lawngtlai district is also considered increasingly important for cross-border movement of goods. Officials and residents have raised concerns about illegal trade and undocumented migration, and earlier local meetings were convened to discuss measures with security agencies and community groups. Against this backdrop, repeated monsoon disruptions are seen as affecting both economic movement and day-to-day security planning.
Lawngtlai journalist and civil society leader Elvis Lalthangzuala said the current monsoon situation is likely to worsen unless Mizoram releases funds for emergency road clearance during this season. He suggested that at least ₹10 lakh is needed for emergency work this monsoon, while a refurbishment and maintenance tender has already been floated.
