Marking India-Bangladesh cross-border trade and connectivity, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the newly built Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at the Petrapole Land Port. Developed at a significant investment of ₹487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI), this strategic initiative aims to facilitate lawful movement, enhance bilateral trade, and strengthen people-to-people ties with Bangladesh.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways; Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary; Dr Rajendra Kumar, Secretary for Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs; Daljit Singh, Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF); and Aditya Mishra, Chairman of LPAI.

In his keynote address, Shah emphasized the unwavering commitment of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership toward West Bengal’s development and border region infrastructure. He outlined the central role of the LPAI in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of border prosperity and peace, grounded in the government’s guiding mantra of Prosperity, Peace, Partnership, and Progress. According to Shah, these projects underscore the government’s resolve not only to fortify the borders but to integrate them with socioeconomic growth initiatives, thereby transforming the borderlands into hubs of sustainable development.

The newly inaugurated Passenger Terminal Building, covering approximately 60,000 square meters, is designed to manage a daily throughput of up to 25,000 travellers. This facility is expected to catalyze growth in sectors like medical and educational tourism, providing essential infrastructure to accommodate rising demand for cross-border travel. Alongside this, the Maitri Dwar, constructed at an additional cost of ₹6 crore, allows efficient passage for around 600–700 trucks daily, significantly bolstering trade capacity at the Petrapole port. This infrastructure, combined with sophisticated technology like automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition systems, aims to streamline operations and enhance security.

Petrapole, the largest and busiest land port in South Asia, handles about 70% of India-Bangladesh trade via land routes, with trade volume rising from ₹18,000 crore in 2016-17 to ₹30,500 crore in 2023-24, a 64% increase. The Minister highlighted this impressive growth, noting that the Modi government’s dedicated investment in land port development is unlocking new avenues for economic cooperation, mutual prosperity, and regional security. The increased trade volumes through Petrapole are expected to spur further economic activities, including logistics, warehousing, and employment opportunities within the region.

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Reflecting on the transformative impact of the Modi government’s policies in West Bengal, Shah contrasted the development trajectory with the prior administration’s record. He shared that West Bengal received only ₹15,000 crore under MGNREGA during the UPA government’s tenure, whereas the Modi administration has allocated ₹54,000 crore over the last decade. Similarly, allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission have seen substantial increases, reinforcing the Modi government’s commitment to rural development and connectivity.

Beyond infrastructure, the Minister underscored the central government’s focus on curbing illegal infiltration. He stated that sustained peace in West Bengal depends on robust border security and the elimination of unauthorized cross-border movement, which has historically undermined regional stability. The expanded LPAI operations are aligned with this mission, offering a legal and organized framework for cross-border movement that supports economic development while safeguarding national interests.

Currently, the LPAI operates 12 land ports, including key nodes at Petrapole, Agartala, Srimanpur Sutarkandi, Sabroom, Raxaul, Jogbani, Rupaidiha, Attari, and Moreh, with 23 more ports slated for development in the coming years. This expanded network will enhance border trade and security, further advancing the government’s vision of a robust and digitized border infrastructure.

Concluding his address, Amit Shah emphasized that these projects are not mere facilities but represent “gateways of peace and prosperity.” They exemplify the government’s focus on a multi-dimensional border strategy that integrates security with socio-economic progress. He reiterated that the continued support and substantial funding allocated by the Modi government signify its commitment to ensuring that West Bengal and the broader border regions are woven into India’s growth narrative.

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