At present, the Kaladan is the fifth largest river in the world that is completely unfragmented by dams anywhere in its catchment, behind only the Fly, Mamberamo and Sepik in New Guinea and the Pechora in Russia.

[8] Nonetheless, the governments of India and Myanmar are working on a US$500 million, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project that will facilitate trade between the two nations.

[10] India undertook the development of the 158 km river boat route from Sittwe seaport to the Inland Water Terminal (IWT) and hydropower project at Paletwa jetty via the Kaladan River in Myanmar.

[13] The project will open up not only Mizoram but all of India's northeastern states as hinterland for the Sittwe Port.

[needs update] Development of the river is also being negotiated with the Shwe Gas Project for economic enhancement.