DHAKA, Oct 27, 2024 (BSS) - India today 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.