Uttar Pradesh’s First Land Port Set To Be Operational In Bahraich District, To Enhance Cross-Border Trade With Nepal

The first land port in Uttar Pradesh, close to the Rupaidiha border in Bahraich, is gearing up for its inauguration.

Situated around 184 km from Lucknow, the integrated check post has been developed to promote cross-border trade with Nepal and is set to welcome truckers and tourists frequenting the region.

The date is being worked out as per the convenience of the prime ministers of both countries for the facility to be inaugurated, reports ET Infra.

The idea to set up land ports at busy border points was first mooted in 2003.

With the development of the facility, it is estimated that the coordination between the two countries' agencies will get better, resulting in quicker processing of the applications.

The land port is set to house all the regulatory and support functions under one roof, offering better coordination.

Aditya Mishra, Chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) stated, "The land ports on both the sides of the border (India and Nepal) are ready. Cross-border movement of individuals, motor vehicles and goods shall go up substantially as the turnaround time to process the applications will come down."

Spread over 115 acres, the land port in Bahraich has been developed with a budget of Rs 206 crore.

A 2.2 km long feeder route has also been constructed to link the two land ports to National Highway-927.

The facility on the Nepal side will be operated by the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, while the LPAI will oversee the functioning of the Indian side of the port.

The Rupaidiha border is a significant trade route, with annual trade worth Rs 8,500 crore between India and Nepal.

Exports account for 95 per cent of the trade value, making the facility's development an important move.

The volume of trade is expected to go up significantly as it is estimated that the number of trucks passing through the land port will increase to at least 300 daily from the current 200.