Kolkata, 27 October, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata late Saturday night, greeted warmly by senior BJP leaders at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Shah’s visit includes the inauguration of a newly constructed passenger terminal and cargo gate at the India-Bangladesh border crossing in Petrapol, North 24 Parganas district, scheduled for Sunday. He will also hold an organizational meeting in Kolkata that afternoon.
During his visit, Shah is set to launch the BJP’s membership campaign and participate in two government programs.
The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted the initiative as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to enhance cultural and trade relations with South Asian nations.
The new Petrapole Passenger Terminal boasts modern facilities, including a VIP lounge and duty-free shop, with a capacity to handle 20,000 passengers daily over an area of 59,800 square meters.
According to Sajidur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association, this development will alleviate congestion and boost trade between India and Bangladesh.
The Petrapole-Benapole crossing is critical for both nations, accounting for approximately 70% of land trade and serving over 2.35 million passengers annually, making it one of India’s busiest international immigration ports.
