CM shares World Bank praise for Bengal’s e-Suvidha at Petrapole
Times of India | 28 October 2024
Kolkata: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee highlighted the World Bank’s recognition of Bengal’s efforts to streamline border trade at the Petrapole check post, at a time when Union home minister Amit Shah was visiting the check post on Sunday.
Banerjee shared a video featuring Cecile Fruman, World Bank’s director of regional integration and engagement for South Asia, who praised the success of the state’s initiative and its potential to be replicated across Integrated Check Points (ICPs) in India and South Asia.
Banerjee posted on X, “While there’s some buzz at the Petrapole border check post today, the reality is that West Bengal’s Suvidha Vehicle Facilitation System at the Land Port has revolutionised Indo-Bangladesh border trade. It has reduced delays from 45 days to zero, benefiting over 8 lakh vehicles.” She also said that Centre had recognised this achievement for ‘e-Governance excellence’ and it had garnered praise from the World Bank and various stakeholders. “Our government’s initiative has truly been a game-changer in cross-border trade between the two countries,” she added.
The CM further said, “The Yatri Suvidha initiative at the Petrapole passenger terminal has simplified the entry process for around 1 lakh travellers, addressing long queues and enhancing their experience.”
In the video shared by Banerjee, Fruman said, “I had the extreme pleasure of visiting Petrapole in March 2023, where I witnessed the new e-Suvidha program first-hand and saw the significant benefits it brings to regional trade. Previously, trucks had to wait over 40 days to enter the Integrated Check Points, followed by another 110 hours to clear, but now this has been reduced to just 14 hours.”
“This is remarkable and represents future of trade in South Asia. At the World Bank, we are looking to support the implementation of this model at other ICPs in India and around the world. This is what will drive efficiency in the region’s future trade,” Fruman said in the video. tnn