Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates New Passenger Terminal and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal.
West Bengal:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal, today. The facilities, constructed at a cost of Rs. 487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI), are expected to enhance trade and connectivity in the region.
In his address, Shah emphasized the central government’s commitment to West Bengal’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the role of the LPAI in fostering legal trade and cultural exchanges, as well as its alignment with the government’s 4-P mantra: Prosperity, Peace, Partnership, and Progress.
Shah stated that the new integrated checkpost and terminal building will significantly improve the region’s prosperity and security. He noted that the initiative aims to curb illegal crossings and promote peaceful relations with neighboring countries. The terminal is designed to handle 25,000 passengers daily and is expected to boost medical and educational tourism.
The Maitri Dwar, costing Rs. 6 crore, will facilitate the passage of over 600-700 trucks per day. Shah called for environmental conservation measures, including planting 25,000 saplings, and highlighted technological upgrades such as automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition for efficient movement.
Shah also pointed to the significant growth in trade between India and Bangladesh through Petrapole, from Rs. 18,000 crore in 2016-17 to Rs. 30,500 crore in 2023-24, marking a 64% increase. He stated that approximately 24 lakh passengers used the port in the last fiscal year.
The Minister reiterated the Modi government’s commitment to infrastructure development in border areas and announced plans for 23 additional land ports across India. He criticized the previous government’s record on funding, claiming that while the UPA allocated Rs. 2,09,000 crore over 10 years, the Modi government has provided Rs. 7,74,000 crore in the last decade.
The LPAI is seen as a pivotal element in enhancing border security and promoting economic growth, with Shah urging investigations into the effective distribution of funds to beneficiaries in West Bengal.
