Kolkata: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal, built at a cost of ₹487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Secretary of Border Management Rajendra Kumar, Director General of the Border Security Force Daljit Singh, and Chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India Aditya Mishra.
In his address, Amit Shah said that the inauguration of the Integrated Checkpost, Passenger Terminal Buildings, and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of revitalising every sector. Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has launched new programmes in areas like education, health, internal security, border security, and sports, achieving success in each field.
Amit Shah noted that today, the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) is significantly contributing to national development, enhancing relations with neighbours, and facilitating the exchange of language, culture, and literature. He emphasised that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, LPAI is working on the mantra of 4 Ps: Prosperity, Peace, Partnership, and Progress.
Shah highlighted that this new initiative will bring substantial prosperity to the entire region. He stated that the initiative by LPAI will help establish peace, as the lack of a legal framework for movement has led to illegal crossings that affect peace in India and West Bengal. Peace in West Bengal can only be achieved if support for illegal infiltration ceases entirely, thereby ushering in a new era of partnership with neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Modi has also transformed LPAI’s concept. Previously seen merely as a trade mechanism, LPAI is now a gateway to prosperity and peace, connecting with neighbouring nations, promoting legal trade to curb illegal activities, and contributing to a prosperous nation. The terminal building, built at a cost of approximately ₹500 crore and spanning nearly 60,000 square metres, can handle 25,000 passengers daily, providing a significant boost to medical and educational tourism. Shah added that this initiative will secure India’s borders while creating an environment conducive to development.
The Maitri Dwar, constructed at a cost of ₹6 crore, allows smooth transport passage with the capacity to handle 600-700 trucks daily. Shah directed officials to ensure the conservation of the local environment by planting 25,000 saplings of trees with lifespans exceeding 200 years. Facilities such as automatic number plate recognition, boom barriers, facial recognition machines, and access control for entry and exit have been established for seamless movement. Petrapole, the largest and busiest land port in South Asia, facilitates 70% of the total trade between India and Bangladesh through land routes. Since Modi's initiatives in 2016-17, trade volume has increased from ₹18,000 crore to ₹30,500 crore in 2023-24, marking a 64% growth.
Shah noted that this increase in trade will boost transportation businesses, lead to the establishment of warehouses, and create employment opportunities, including roles for porters involved in loading and unloading goods. Around 24 lakh passengers travelled through Petrapole in 2023-24.
Shah added that LPAI is opening pathways of friendship for border security, trade, connectivity, and engagement among people in eastern India. The Modi government has not only focused on border security but also linked them to development. LPAI is advancing Modi’s vision of robust infrastructure in border areas, serving as a comprehensive solution encompassing immigration, customs, and border security. Currently, 12 land ports are operational in India, including Petrapole, Agartala, Srimanpur Sutarkandi, Sabroom with Bangladesh; Raxaul, Jogbani, Rupaidiha with Nepal; and Attari and Moreh with Pakistan and Myanmar, respectively. Modi's government has also developed the Kartarpur Corridor in tribute to Guru Nanak Dev.
During 2023-24, trade worth ₹71,000 crore was conducted through these land ports. Plans to develop 23 more land ports are in place. A comprehensive plan for LPAI’s digitisation, aimed at enhancing security through technology and minimising issues, is nearing completion.
Shah stated that Prime Minister Modi is committed to the development of Bengal. He highlighted that during the UPA government’s 10-year tenure, Bengal received only ₹2,09,000 crore, whereas Modi has allocated ₹7,74,000 crore over the last decade. Corruption, he mentioned, has reportedly misappropriated funds allocated to Bengal. Under the previous administration, ₹15,000 crore was allocated through the MGNREGA scheme, which Modi increased to ₹54,000 crore over the past 10 years. Shah emphasised the need to investigate why this funding does not reach scheme beneficiaries.
He also compared the funding under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, noting that the UPA government allocated ₹5,400 crore over 10 years, while the Modi administration provided ₹17,000 crore. Similarly, under the housing scheme, allocations in the previous regime were ₹4,500 crore, which Modi increased to ₹50,000 crore. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, ₹630 crore was provided, while the Modi government raised it to ₹91,000 crore.
BI Bureau
