The Maitri Dwar and the Passenger Terminal Building at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Petrapole-Benapole started functioning Wednesday facilitating movement of goods cargo and people.
This is a significant step towards improving cross-border trade and immigration infrastructure that will increase economic activity in a mutually beneficially manner, the Indian High Commission said.
Amit Shah, Indian Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, inaugurated the Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at Land Port, Petrapole in West Bengal on October 27.
He said that the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) is making a significant contribution to country’s development, along with improving relations with neighbours, and facilitating the exchange of language, culture, and literature.
He also said that LPAI is opening pathways of friendship for border security, border trade, border connectivity, and connectivity among people in eastern India.
The Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh) Land Port is one of the most important land border crossings for the two countries, both in terms of trade and passenger movement.
Nearly 70% of land-based trade and nearly 30% of total trade (by value) between India and Bangladesh takes place through this Land Port.
Petrapole Land Port is also the eighth largest international immigration port of India and facilitates movement of over 2.35 million passengers annually between India and Bangladesh.
The new Passenger Terminal Building at Land Port Petrapole is a significant addition to the region's infrastructure which will enhance the travel experience between India and Bangladesh.
With a built-up area of 59,800 square meters, the Passenger Terminal Building has a passenger handling capacity of 20,000 per day.
It will house immigration, customs, and security services under one roof and is equipped with all modern facilities such as basic medical facilities, Infant/baby feeding Room, food and beverages outlets, and duty-free shop, among others.
The Maitri Dwar is a joint cargo gate that has been built to ease and streamline the flow of goods between India and Bangladesh.
This dedicated cargo gate will significantly accelerate the release and clearance of goods at the border, thereby enhancing trade efficiency.
It is equipped with modern day facilities such as ANPR, boom barriers, facial recognition cameras and access-controlled entry/exit points for Indian and Bangladeshi Trucks, the High Commission said.