Petrapole, WB: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at Petrapole, the largest land port in South Asia, on Sunday. Built by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) at a cost of ₹487 crore, this new infrastructure aims to bolster trade and strengthen connectivity with Bangladesh. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.
Highlighting the Modi government’s focus on border development and security, Shah stated, “This Integrated Checkpost, Passenger Terminal Buildings, and Maitri Dwar reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to economic growth, peace, and partnership with neighboring countries.” He noted that the LPAI has played a vital role in improving international relations, fostering cross-border exchanges, and aiding in the movement of people and goods.
The new terminal, sprawling over 60,000 square meters, is equipped to handle up to 25,000 passengers daily and aims to boost medical and educational tourism. Shri Shah mentioned that improved facilities, including automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition systems, will enhance the security and efficiency of transit. Additionally, the Maitri Dwar, constructed at a cost of ₹6 crore, is designed to facilitate the smooth movement of over 600-700 trucks per day.
Shah underscored that these initiatives will greatly increase trade, with Petrapole already accounting for 70% of India’s land-route trade with Bangladesh. He added that India’s trade volume through Petrapole has surged from ₹18,000 crore in 2016-17 to ₹30,500 crore in 2023-24—a 64% growth under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
The Home Minister further emphasized that Petrapole’s development will bring prosperity to eastern India, creating jobs and opportunities for the local population. He also highlighted the Modi government’s comprehensive efforts to improve national border infrastructure, noting that the LPAI now operates 12 land ports across India, with 23 more under development. A fully digitized operational model for the LPAI is in the works, aiming to boost security and streamline processes.
In his address, Amit Shah highlighted the increased central funding for West Bengal under the Modi government compared to previous administrations. He cited the increase in allocations for welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, MGNREGA, and housing initiatives, underscoring the need for transparency and efficient delivery of funds to beneficiaries.
The inauguration at Petrapole is expected to significantly advance India’s cross-border trade and strengthen ties with Bangladesh, while marking another milestone in India’s border management and regional development strategy.
