Agartala: The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Akhaura would be ready for operation within October this year.
This was informed by Secretary of Border Management, Gouri Kumar, who arrived here on Wednesday along with an inter-ministerial team of senior officials to review the progress of construction work of the ICP which is located in the outskirt of capital town.
Kumar also had a meeting with top officials of both sides at Akhaura Check Post. Senior state government officials like Chief Secretary, SK Panda, DGP C. Balasubramanium, Indian envoy to Bangladesh, Pankaj Saran were also present in the meeting. A strong contingent of Bangladesh officials also attended the review meeting.
“An elaborate discussion on the progress of the ICP was held in the meeting. And we are hoping to complete the construction of the ICP by October 30,” said Kumar at the State Guest House shortly before leaving the state.
When asked if she was happy with the progress of the ICP work, Kumar said that necessary instructions were given to the authority to make some changes.
At Akhaura Check Post, Saran said the Indo-Bangla trade volume has touched a high of US $ 652 million so far. “This has been possible due to good relation between the two sides. However, we are worried about political turmoil in Bangladesh though it is completely internal matter and India doesn’t want to interfere on it,” he said.
The project cost, excluding the cost of the land, of ICP at Akhaura stands at Rs. 73.50 crore. Land to the extent of 8.49 acres has already been acquired. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram unveiled the foundation stone for the project on May 17, 2011.
The ICPs are envisaged to provide all the facilities required for discharge of sovereign and non-sovereign functions to enable smooth cross-border movement of individuals, vehicles and goods under an integrated complex. These would facilitate the processes of immigration, customs, security, quarantine, etc.