Amit Shah inaugurates Maitri Dwar and passenger terminal

28 Oct 2024 CW Team

Discussing the new passenger terminal, Shah highlighted that it was built with an investment of approximately Rs 5 billion, covering around 60,000 square metres, and is equipped to manage 20,000 passengers daily. He expressed confidence that the terminal would promote medical and educational tourism. Shah also pointed out that Petrapole is South Asia’s largest and busiest land port, handling nearly 70% of the land-based trade between India and Bangladesh. The new terminal features VIP lounges, a duty-free shop, basic medical facilities, an infant feeding room, and food and beverage outlets.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the project aims to elevate infrastructure and service standards, enhancing travel between India and Bangladesh and positioning the port as a vital hub in Asia.

Shah also inaugurated Maitri Dwar, announcing plans for environmental improvements around the area. He directed officials to plant 25,000 trees by the next monsoon and to ensure their upkeep. The foundation stone for Maitri Dwar was laid on 9 May 2023, with the gate designed to streamline the heavy cross-border traffic at Petrapole, which sees around 600–700 trucks daily. According to the MHA, Maitri Dwar is expected to expedite goods clearance at the border and includes advanced facilities such as ANPR, boom barriers, facial recognition cameras, and access-controlled points for Indian and Bangladeshi trucks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Passenger Terminal Building at Petrapole Land Port and Maitri Dwar, a new cargo gate, in West Bengal. He noted that Prime Minister Modi had transformed the concept of the Land Port Authority, shifting its role from a mere commercial resource to a symbol of prosperity and peace. Shah remarked that the authority now plays a significant role in strengthening ties with neighbouring countries, fostering legal trade, and countering smuggling activities. Discussing the new passenger terminal, Shah highlighted that it was built with an investment of approximately Rs 5 billion, covering around 60,000 square metres, and is equipped to manage 20,000 passengers daily. He expressed confidence that the terminal would promote medical and educational tourism. Shah also pointed out that Petrapole is South Asia’s largest and busiest land port, handling nearly 70% of the land-based trade between India and Bangladesh. The new terminal features VIP lounges, a duty-free shop, basic medical facilities, an infant feeding room, and food and beverage outlets. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the project aims to elevate infrastructure and service standards, enhancing travel between India and Bangladesh and positioning the port as a vital hub in Asia. Shah also inaugurated Maitri Dwar, announcing plans for environmental improvements around the area. He directed officials to plant 25,000 trees by the next monsoon and to ensure their upkeep. The foundation stone for Maitri Dwar was laid on 9 May 2023, with the gate designed to streamline the heavy cross-border traffic at Petrapole, which sees around 600–700 trucks daily. According to the MHA, Maitri Dwar is expected to expedite goods clearance at the border and includes advanced facilities such as ANPR, boom barriers, facial recognition cameras, and access-controlled points for Indian and Bangladeshi trucks.

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