India plans to operationalise 11 new land ports over the next two to three years, expanding its network of integrated border trade and transit facilities as part of a broader push to modernise border infrastructure and improve cross-border connectivity.
The expansion will build on the existing network of 15 operational land ports managed by the Land Ports Authority of India. The upcoming projects are expected to strengthen the movement of cargo and passengers across India’s international borders while supporting trade, tourism and regional economic activity.
According to LPAI Chairman Jayant Singh, West Bengal will remain central to future land port development plans because of the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the country’s gateway to the Northeast. The corridor shares proximity with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, making it one of India’s most critical connectivity and border management zones.
The emphasis on West Bengal comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and security along the Siliguri Corridor, which serves as the primary land link between mainland India and the northeastern states. The region has witnessed increased focus on transportation, border management and connectivity projects in recent years.
The announcement coincided with the launch of ‘Vinimay’, a new digital Land Port Management System (LPMS) designed to streamline cargo processing and passenger movement across land ports through end-to-end digital workflows. The platform is expected to bring land port operations closer to the standards followed at airports and seaports by improving efficiency, transparency and interoperability.
The planned expansion forms part of the government’s larger strategy to modernise border infrastructure, facilitate international trade and strengthen connectivity with neighbouring countries through integrated and technology-enabled land port facilities.
