GUWAHATI, Nov 9: The Indian government is focusing on building transit routes along northeastern borders to boost trade with neighboring friendly nations, as shared by Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) Chairman Aditya Mishra. Speaking at the opening of India’s first Integrated Check Post (ICP) with Bhutan in Darranga, Assam, Mishra explained that integrated transit ports are being developed nationwide to consolidate trade and immigration processes under one roof.
According to Mishra, the government’s goal is to create secure, well-equipped, and organized transit ports that manage customs, immigration, and other formalities efficiently. India currently operates around 90 transit points along its 15,000-kilometer border with seven countries, with efforts concentrated on strategic points—15 of which have already been developed.
The LPAI is currently working on nine land ports under construction, with project reports prepared for an additional 26, approved by the government for initiation. Mishra noted that, once completed, approximately 50 active transit locations will be fully equipped and operational.
Highlighting the North East, Mishra stated that its proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh offers significant trade potential, aligning with the government’s objectives to stimulate regional economic growth. In Assam, LPAI recently assumed control of the ports at Mancachar and Golokgunj, while the Sutarkandi port remains operational with facility enhancements in progress.
The LPAI, as a statutory body under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Department of Border Management, is responsible for developing these land ports, ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate efficient cargo and passenger movement across India’s borders.
