India opens integrated check post, terminal at Petrapole

India on Sunday opened an integrated check post, passenger terminal building and a joint cargo gate named Maitri Dwar at the Petrapole in West Bengal to improve cross-border trade and immigration infrastructure. 

Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at the land port, said a press release disseminated by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. 

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. 

In his remarks, Shah 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 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, said the release. 

With a built-up area of 59,800 square meters, the Passenger Terminal Building has a passenger handling capacity of 20,000 per day. 

The new joint cargo gate will ease and streamline the flow of goods between India and Bangladesh thereby enhancing trade efficiency. 

Nearly 70 percent of land-based trade and nearly 30 percent 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 23.5 lakh passengers annually between India and Bangladesh.