Border Boost: 7 New Integrated Land Ports Coming to West Bengal

The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) has unveiled plans to establish seven new integrated land ports along West Bengal’s border with Bangladesh over the next five to six years, significantly expanding cross-border trade infrastructure in the state.

LPAI Chairman Jayant Singh, during a recent visit to Kolkata, said the proposed ports will be developed at Ghojadanga, Madhavpara, Hili, Birpara, Jalgao, Panitanki and Chamurchi. Notably, five of these locations are situated in the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, underscoring the region’s growing significance in cross-border connectivity.

Currently, Petrapole is the only integrated land port operating in West Bengal. According to Singh, Ghojadanga in North 24 Parganas is expected to be the first among the new projects to be taken up for development, with support from the state government being sought for its launch.

Each integrated land port is planned across approximately 50 acres and will feature modern facilities, including customs and immigration services, cargo and vehicle parking areas, food courts, shopping zones and infrastructure for the Border Security Force.

Singh said the proposed expansion is expected to substantially enhance trade between India and Bangladesh, with the potential to increase land-based trade volumes manifold once the facilities become operational.

India currently has 15 integrated land ports, and the LPAI aims to expand the network to more than 80 ports by 2047 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen border trade, logistics and regional connectivity.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.