Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)

Source: This post on Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) has been created based on the article “Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal, built at a cost of ₹487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)” published in PIB on 30th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and a Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal constructed by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).

About Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)

1. The Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) is an agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2. It is responsible for establishing, managing, and administering Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along India’s land borders.

3. It was established in 2012 through the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.

4. The LPAI plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth and efficient trade, travel, and people-to-people connectivity across India’s land frontiers with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nepal.

5. Objectives: The LPAI was established to create a unified management structure for cross-border infrastructure, replacing the fragmented and often inefficient arrangements that existed prior.

6. Key functions include:

i) Management of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): LPAI operates ICPs, which serve as organized entry and exit points with modern infrastructure for cargo, passengers, and customs. These ICPs streamline immigration, customs, and security processes under one roof, expediting trade and travel.

ii) Security and Surveillance: The authority ensures that ICPs have up-to-date security and surveillance mechanisms, aiding national security while minimizing illegal trade and unauthorized movement.

iii) Trade Facilitation and Infrastructure Development:  The LPAI promotes trade efficiency and cross-border commerce, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing logistical convenience by developing infrastructure such as warehousing, cold storage, and cargo handling facilities.

7. Major Integrated Check Posts: Some of the prominent ICPs managed by the LPAI include:

i) Attari-Wagah (Punjab): India’s only ICP on the Pakistan border, crucial for trade and movement between the two countries.

ii) Raxaul (Bihar) and Jogbani (Bihar): Key ICPs on the India-Nepal border, facilitating trade and movement with Nepal.

iii) Petrapole-Benapole (West Bengal): The busiest land port on the India-Bangladesh border.

iv) Moreh (Manipur): The main ICP with Myanmar, serving as a vital link for the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

UPSC Syllabus: International relations, geography