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The Central government is planning a major expansion of border trade infrastructure in West Bengal, with proposals for seven to eight new international land ports along the borders with Bangladesh and Nepal. The move is aimed at facilitating smoother movement of both cargo and passengers while unlocking additional trade opportunities with neighbouring countries.
The proposed facilities will be developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. At present, Petrapole—the country's busiest land port located near Bongaon on the India-Bangladesh border—remains West Bengal's only operational international land port.
Officials believe that additional border infrastructure could significantly improve logistics efficiency in eastern India, particularly as trade volumes with neighbouring nations continue to grow. Several strategic locations have already been identified for development, including Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, Ghojadanga in North 24 Parganas, Hili in Dinajpur and Birpara in Alipurduar, among others.
Many of these locations currently handle trade through existing land customs stations. However, authorities are looking to upgrade them into fully integrated land ports equipped with modern facilities capable of supporting larger cargo volumes and streamlined passenger movement.
According to LPAI Chairman Jayant Singh, the authority is working on plans to establish multiple new land ports across the state. Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event in Kolkata, he indicated that each project would typically require around 50 acres of land situated directly along the international border.
Land acquisition has emerged as one of the primary challenges slowing the rollout of these projects. While infrastructure plans have been under consideration for some time, securing suitable land parcels near the border has proven difficult. Officials are hopeful that closer coordination between state and central authorities will help address these hurdles and accelerate project implementation.
Unlike conventional border checkpoints, modern land ports function as integrated trade and transit hubs. They bring together cargo handling facilities, warehousing infrastructure, truck parking zones, customs clearance, immigration services, cold storage units and security operations under a single framework. Such facilities are designed to reduce congestion, improve turnaround times and enhance the overall efficiency of cross-border trade.
The proposed projects in West Bengal form part of a much larger national strategy. The Centre is evaluating plans to develop 74 additional land ports across India, significantly expanding the country's border trade network beyond the 15 facilities currently in operation.
The government's focus on land-port infrastructure comes at a time when trade with neighbouring countries is gaining momentum. Official estimates show that India's trade with neighbouring nations amounted to ₹2.27 lakh crore, of which nearly ₹82,844 crore was routed through existing land ports. Authorities also believe that India's land borders hold substantial untapped potential, with opportunities for additional trade worth more than ₹4.44 lakh crore.
With their strategic location and proximity to key regional markets, the proposed land ports in West Bengal are expected to play an important role in strengthening supply chains, improving trade connectivity and supporting economic integration across South Asia in the years ahead.
The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) is exploring a partnership with Japan's Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) to support the redevelopment of its waterfront and advance its Vision 2047 Master Plan, aimed at integrating port infrastructure with urban development and improving public access to the city's coastline. The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting in Japan between MbPA Chairman M. Angamuthu and UR Director General Takehiro Umezu. The discussions focused on potential collaboration in waterfront revitalisation, port-city integration, urban design, mobility planning and the sustainable development of port-linked areas. UR expressed interest in contributing as a knowledge and planning partner for the long-term project. Officials also reviewed several projects planned under Mumbai Port's Vision 2047 roadmap, including the proposed Maharashtra Shipbuilding Cluster, marina and waterfront developments, an international convention centre, public recreational spaces and water-based transport systems such as water taxis and water buses. The initiatives are intended to improve urban mobility while enhancing the utilisation of port-owned land. During the meeting, the Japanese delegation shared insights from major urban redevelopment projects, including Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, Umekita Osaka and Sannomiya Kobe, highlighting approaches to waterfront transformation, transit-oriented development and integrated urban planning that could be adapted for Mumbai. The discussions also covered the integration of the proposed Metro Line 11 stations around Sewri with future port development plans. Both sides agreed to continue technical exchanges, with the possibility of involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in planning and infrastructure development. The engagement marks an early step in Mumbai Port's efforts to incorporate international best practices into its long-term redevelopment strategy. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has received the maiden call of MV ESL Shekou under Emirates Shipping Lines' ECSX Service, marking the addition of a new international container service at the Kandla International Container Terminal (KICT). The vessel berthed at the terminal on June 18, strengthening the port's connectivity with key overseas trade routes. The vessel measures 276 metres in length overall (LOA) and has a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 66,280 metric tonnes, making it one of the larger container ships to call at the terminal. Its successful handling reflects the port's capability to accommodate modern, high-capacity container vessels and support growing container traffic. The new ECSX service is expected to provide exporters and importers with additional shipping options while improving cargo connectivity between India and international markets served by Emirates Shipping Lines. The service is also likely to enhance schedule reliability and increase capacity for containerised trade through Kandla. Port officials said the maiden call represents growing confidence among global shipping lines in Deendayal Port's infrastructure and operational capabilities. The addition of another mainline service is expected to strengthen the port's position as a key gateway for containerised cargo on India's western coast and support the country's expanding international trade network. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
A potential US-Iran peace agreement and the easing of sanctions on Tehran could breathe new life into India’s long-standing investment in Iran’s Chabahar Port, a strategic logistics hub that offers New Delhi direct access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond. Recent diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran, including commitments to restore maritime trade and ease restrictions, are being viewed as a significant opportunity for regional connectivity and supply chain diversification. For India, Chabahar has always been more than a port project. Situated on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, the port serves as a critical gateway that bypasses Pakistan and provides access to landlocked markets in Afghanistan and Central Asia. It is also a key component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal trade route linking India with Eurasian markets. However, progress at Chabahar has repeatedly been hampered by US sanctions on Iran. The expiry of sanctions waivers and heightened geopolitical tensions over the past year created uncertainty around investments, insurance coverage, banking transactions and port operations, slowing the project’s momentum. The emerging US-Iran understanding could change that landscape. The proposed agreement includes provisions aimed at restoring freedom of navigation, reopening trade routes and gradually lifting sanctions linked to Iran’s economy and maritime sector. Such measures could improve investor confidence, facilitate financing and enable smoother cargo movement through Iranian ports. Industry observers believe renewed stability in the region could strengthen Chabahar’s role as a regional logistics hub. The port has the potential to become a crucial node for Indian exports heading to Central Asia and Russia while supporting alternative supply chains that reduce dependence on traditional maritime corridors. Greater activity at Chabahar could also complement India’s broader connectivity strategy and enhance resilience against geopolitical disruptions. Beyond logistics, the agreement could also support India’s energy security. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the return of Iranian oil to global markets are expected to improve supply availability and ease freight uncertainties across key shipping lanes. Lower energy costs and smoother maritime operations would further benefit trade and transportation sectors. While the final contours of the US-Iran arrangement remain under negotiation, the prospect of reduced sanctions and greater regional stability has revived hopes that Chabahar can finally fulfil its promise as India’s strategic gateway to Central Asia and a vital link in emerging Eurasian supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
