This underscores the commendable performance of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which manages trade and travel through the country's land ports. Notably, significant trade and passenger movement occurred predominantly through six to seven of the 11 currently operational land ports in India, including Attari, Agartala, Dawki, Petrapole, Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani, Moreh, Sutarkandi, Srimantapur, and PTB at Dera Baba Nanak.
Among the 11 land ports, Attari, Agartala, Petrapole, Raxaul, Jogbani, Sutarkandi, and Srimantapur were key contributors to the substantial trade in 2023. Raxaul and Petrapole emerged as leaders, jointly accounting for over Rs 60,000 crore in trade. The total trade registered for the year 2022-2023 amounted to Rs 76,319.2 crore, with a simultaneous movement of 24,79,180 passengers, as outlined in the Land Ports Authority of India.
Breaking down the trade figures for 2022-2023, Raxaul and Petrapole reported trade amounts of Rs 33,882.2 crore and Rs 30,378 crore, respectively. Jogbani followed with Rs 8,747 crore, Attari with Rs 2,257.2 crore, Agartala with Rs 471.8 crore, Sutarkandi with Rs 410.6 crore, and Srimantapur with Rs 172.2 crore.
Regarding passenger movement, significant activity was observed at Attari, Agartala, Petrapole, Sutarkandi, Srimantapur, and Dera Baba Nanak in 2023. The highest passenger movement occurred at Petrapole and Agartala, with 19,37,414 and 3,16,448 movements, respectively. Dera Baba Nanak ranked third with 91,383 movements, followed by 67,747 in Attari, 51,089 in Srimantapur, and 15,099 in Sutarkandi.
Established in 2012 as a statutory body under the Department of Border Management and the Ministry of Home Affairs, LPAI is dedicated to developing cutting-edge infrastructure across its land ports. The facilities provided encompass Cargo Terminal Buildings, Passenger Terminal Buildings, mechanized equipment for cargo handling, security and surveillance through CCTV cameras, housing and accommodation for border guarding forces, as well as amenities like canteens, restrooms, and forex counters.
From just two land ports in 2012, India has expanded its operational land ports to 11, strategically located along its borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
(Inputs from ANI)
