Shah to unveil passenger terminal at Petrapole today
Times of India | 27 October 2024
Kolkata: Union home minister Amit Shah will inaugurate a passenger terminal building and Maitri Dwar at Petrapole land port, a trade getaway facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between India and Bangladesh, on Sunday.
Kamlesh Saini, manager of the Petrapole land port, said the new infrastructure aims to enhance safety, efficiency and comfort for travellers. “The terminal has a VIP lounge, a duty-free shop, basic medical facilities, a baby feeding room, food stalls, beverage outlets, and sweet shops. With a capacity to handle 25,000 passengers daily, the terminal houses immigration, customs, and security services under one roof,” Saini said. The terminal spans 59,800 square metres and features automated entry and exit systems through flap barriers.
The Maitri Dwar, whose foundation stone was laid by Shah in May 2023, is a joint cargo gate at the zero line. The gate is equipped with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), boom barriers, facial recognition cameras and access-controlled entry and exit points.
Kartick Chakraborty, representing the C&F Agents Welfare Association at Petrapole, said, “Passengers will no longer have to endure the elements, be it the scorching sun or pouring rain, and the processing is expected to be more efficient.”