Benapole Land Port

Benapole Land Port is the largest land border port of Bangladesh, located in the town of Benapole within Sharsha Upazila of the Jashore District. It lies adjacent to the Indian border at Petrapole in West Bengal and serves as the principal gateway for trade between Bangladesh and India. Functioning as a major transit and customs point, the port handles the majority of bilateral trade, making it one of the most significant economic zones in South Asia.

Background and Location

Benapole Land Port originated as a small customs station during the early years of Bangladesh’s independence. Over time, the rising trade volume between India and Bangladesh necessitated the expansion of facilities, leading to its formal designation as a land port. It now operates under the management of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA), which functions under the Ministry of Shipping.
Situated approximately 80 kilometres from Kolkata, Benapole is strategically placed along a major trade route connecting the Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar with Bangladesh’s southwestern and central regions. The port’s geographical advantage has made it the most important land-based entry point for goods and passengers moving between the two countries.

Strategic Importance

Benapole Land Port accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the total import trade from India into Bangladesh through land routes. This dominant share underscores its critical role in supporting Bangladesh’s economy and facilitating cross-border commerce.
The port also serves as a hub for people-to-people connectivity. Thousands of passengers cross the Benapole-Petrapole border daily, making it the busiest land crossing point in South Asia. It strengthens bilateral relations by promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
In terms of logistics and customs revenue, Benapole contributes significantly to national earnings. It is one of the highest revenue-generating land ports in Bangladesh, supporting thousands of workers directly and indirectly involved in transport, warehousing, and customs clearance activities.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Benapole Land Port covers an area of approximately 60 acres, equipped with cargo handling facilities, customs warehouses, administrative offices, and immigration terminals. The infrastructure supports the handling of tens of thousands of tonnes of goods every month.
Key facilities include:

• Cargo yards for temporary storage of import and export goods.
• Customs inspection and clearance units for cargo verification.
• Warehouses and godowns for both perishable and non-perishable goods.
• Passenger terminals for individuals crossing the border through the Benapole Check Post.
• Road and rail connectivity linking Benapole with Jashore, Khulna, and Dhaka, facilitating inland transport.

Despite these facilities, the port faces capacity challenges, with frequent congestion due to the high volume of trucks and cargo. Upgrades and modernisation efforts are ongoing to improve efficiency and reduce clearance time.

Trade Operations

The port handles a wide range of imports from India, including:

• Machinery and spare parts
• Chemicals and fertilisers
• Food grains, pulses, and sugar
• Textiles, garments, and industrial raw materials

Exports from Bangladesh to India primarily consist of:

• Jute and jute goods
• Plastic and leather products
• Ready-made garments
• Frozen fish and agricultural produce

The port’s operations run almost continuously, involving coordinated activities between customs, immigration, transport agencies, and freight forwarding companies. Efficient trade facilitation at Benapole directly affects the supply chain and price stability of essential commodities within Bangladesh.

Administration and Management

The port is managed by the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA), which oversees planning, development, and operational supervision. Customs and immigration services are provided by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively.
Local government agencies, freight forwarding associations, and border security forces work jointly to maintain security, streamline trade processes, and ensure compliance with customs regulations. The management also coordinates with Indian authorities at the adjoining Petrapole Land Port for synchronised operations and data exchange.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its critical importance, Benapole Land Port faces several operational and infrastructural challenges:

• Congestion and Delays: Limited space and high traffic volumes cause frequent congestion, increasing turnaround times for trucks and goods.
• Inadequate Warehousing: Existing storage facilities are insufficient to handle seasonal surges in cargo movement.
• Road Infrastructure: Approach roads to the port are often congested and in need of maintenance, affecting the movement of freight.
• Customs Bottlenecks: Manual documentation and procedural inefficiencies slow down clearance processes, although digitisation efforts are under way.
• Coordination Issues: Differences in working hours, inspection standards, and logistics systems between India and Bangladesh can cause cross-border delays.

Addressing these challenges through infrastructure expansion, digital customs systems, and bilateral coordination is vital for the port’s long-term efficiency.

Recent Developments

Several initiatives have been undertaken to enhance the port’s efficiency and capacity:

• Digitalisation of Customs: Online systems are being introduced for cargo documentation and tracking to reduce paperwork and delays.
• Expansion Projects: Construction of new warehouses, truck terminals, and cargo yards is under progress to accommodate rising trade volumes.
• Road and Rail Modernisation: Improved connectivity through the Benapole-Jashore and Petrapole-Kolkata corridors is being prioritised to ensure faster movement of goods.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Efforts are being made to attract private investment in port infrastructure and logistics management.

The reactivation of the Benapole-Petrapole rail link has also enhanced multimodal transport options, reducing reliance on road transport and easing congestion at border checkpoints.

Economic and Regional Significance

Benapole Land Port plays a pivotal role in the regional economy by connecting Bangladesh’s southwestern districts with major Indian markets. It acts as a vital trade corridor under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative and supports South Asian regional connectivity.
The port contributes substantially to national revenue through customs duties and taxes, supports employment for thousands of people, and provides livelihood opportunities in logistics, transport, and small-scale commerce. Its efficient operation is essential for maintaining Bangladesh’s trade balance and ensuring stable supply chains for essential goods.

Future Prospects

With trade volumes between India and Bangladesh steadily increasing, the future of Benapole Land Port depends on sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and logistics management. Planned projects such as the Bhanga–Benapole Expressway and modern cargo terminals will further enhance connectivity and reduce travel times.