The Maitri Dwar and the Passenger Terminal Building at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Petrapole-Benapole were officially inaugurated and have commenced operations, marking a major milestone in facilitating the movement of goods, cargo, and passengers across the India-Bangladesh border.
This initiative is expected to enhance cross-border trade and immigration infrastructure, fostering economic activities of mutual benefit to both nations.
Indian Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the facilities at the Land Port in Petrapole, West Bengal, on 27 November 2024.
In his address, Shri Shah highlighted the pivotal role of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) in bolstering the nation’s development, fostering diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, and promoting cultural and linguistic exchanges.
He remarked that the LPAI serves as a gateway for enhancing border security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties in eastern India.
Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh) Land Port is among the most critical border crossings for the two nations, handling approximately 70% of land-based trade and nearly 30% of overall trade by value between India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, it is India’s eighth-largest international immigration port, accommodating over 23.5 lakh passengers annually.
The newly constructed Passenger Terminal Building, spanning a built-up area of 59,800 square metres, has been designed to process up to 20,000 passengers daily.
It integrates immigration, customs, and security services under a single roof and offers modern amenities, including medical facilities, infant care rooms, food and beverage outlets, and a duty-free shop, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Additionally, the Maitri Dwar, a state-of-the-art joint cargo gate, aims to streamline and expedite goods movement across the border.
This dedicated cargo gate is equipped with advanced facilities such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), boom barriers, facial recognition cameras, and access-controlled entry and exit points for Indian and Bangladeshi trucks.
These enhancements are expected to significantly improve trade efficiency by accelerating the clearance process at the border.
With these advancements, the Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post is poised to strengthen economic ties, deepen bilateral relations, and contribute to the regional connectivity goals of both nations.
