Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at Petrapole, West Bengal. The inauguration, held today, was part of a major infrastructure initiative by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI), with a total cost of ₹487 crore. Key dignitaries present at the event included:
- Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
- Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary
- Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Shri Daljit Singh, Director General, Border Security Force
- Shri Aditya Mishra, Chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)
Shri Amit Shah’s Address
Shri Amit Shah addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the new initiatives, which reflect Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of revitalizing various sectors. He highlighted the various successful programs initiated by Modi since 2014, focusing on education, health, internal and border security, and sports.
Shri Shah mentioned that the development of the Integrated Checkpost, Passenger Terminal Buildings, and Maitri Dwar would enhance the country’s development and improve relations with neighboring countries, particularly with Bangladesh. He reiterated that the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) is focused on four core principles: Prosperity, Peace, Partnership, and Progress.
Impact of the New Terminal and Maitri Dwar
The new terminal, covering an area of nearly 60,000 square meters, has the capacity to handle 25,000 passengers daily. This project is expected to boost medical and educational tourism and significantly improve trade and transportation across the region. The Maitri Dwar, built at a cost of ₹6 crore, will facilitate the smooth passage of transport, with a handling capacity of 600-700 trucks per day.
Shri Shah emphasized the importance of preserving the local environment and instructed officials to plant 25,000 saplings of long-living trees. He also discussed the state-of-the-art facilities such as automatic number plate recognition, boom barriers, facial recognition machines, and access control systems for seamless movement.
Petrapole’s Strategic Role
Petrapole, the largest and busiest land port in South Asia, plays a pivotal role in India-Bangladesh trade, with 70% of total trade passing through this port. The trade volume has seen substantial growth from ₹18,000 crore in 2016-17 to ₹30,500 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a 64% increase.
Shri Shah further mentioned that the growth in trade would lead to the establishment of new warehouses, boost transportation businesses, and create various employment opportunities, including jobs for porters.
LPAI’s Role in Border Connectivity
Shri Amit Shah highlighted the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) as a crucial part of India’s border security and connectivity framework. He explained that LPAI is facilitating legal trade and contributing to India’s economic growth while ensuring the security of the borders.
Currently, there are 12 operational land ports in India, including Petrapole, and the government plans to develop 23 additional land ports. Shri Shah also mentioned that a comprehensive plan for the digitalization of LPAI is in progress to enhance security and efficiency.
Development Initiatives for West Bengal
Union Home Minister emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the development of West Bengal. He pointed out the significant increase in funds allocated to the state under various schemes, such as the MGNREGA scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, housing schemes, and National Rural Livelihood Mission. Shri Shah also criticized the previous government’s failure to ensure the proper utilization of these funds for the benefit of the people.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who inaugurated the new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole?
- A) Shri Narendra Modi
- B) Shri Amit Shah
- C) Shri Shantanu Thakur
- D) Shri Daljit Singh
- What is the total cost of the new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole?
- A) ₹400 crore
- B) ₹487 crore
- C) ₹600 crore
- D) ₹500 crore
- What is the capacity of the new terminal building in Petrapole?
- A) 15,000 passengers daily
- B) 20,000 passengers daily
- C) 25,000 passengers daily
- D) 30,000 passengers daily
- How many trucks per day can the Maitri Dwar handle?
- A) 500-600 trucks
- B) 600-700 trucks
- C) 700-800 trucks
- D) 800-900 trucks
- Which country does Petrapole primarily trade with?
- A) Nepal
- B) Bangladesh
- C) Myanmar
- D) Pakistan
- What was the total trade volume between India and Bangladesh in 2023-24 through Petrapole?
- A) ₹18,000 crore
- B) ₹30,500 crore
- C) ₹71,000 crore
- D) ₹54,000 crore
- How many land ports are currently operating in India, including Petrapole?
- A) 10
- B) 12
- C) 15
- D) 23
- How many saplings does Shri Amit Shah want to be planted to conserve the local environment?
- A) 10,000
- B) 15,000
- C) 20,000
- D) 25,000
- What is the focus of LPAI under Shri Amit Shah’s leadership?
- A) Security and immigration control
- B) Legal trade, border security, and development
- C) Cultural exchange
- D) Transportation infrastructure
- What is the Modi government’s approach to the development of West Bengal, as per Shri Amit Shah?
- A) Financial aid is decreased
- B) Funds have increased significantly under various schemes
- C) No support for the state
- D) Funds have been redirected to other states