VPP submits suggestions to MHA on Dawki land port improvement

SHILLONG, Sep 19: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday submitted a list of recommendations to the Department of Border Management under Ministry of Home Affairs to improve services at the Dawki land port.
In this regard, VPP MP Ricky J Syngkon met with the Chairman of the Land Port Authority of India, Aditya Mishra, and presented the list of suggestions.
Sharing insights from his recent visit to the land port, Syngkon said, “I personally visited the port to assess its prospects and potential. During my visit, I observed several critical issues that need to be addressed urgently to optimize the port’s potential and ensure its efficient functioning.”
Discussing infrastructure needs, he stated, “Every effort must be made to ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout the campus. The network and communication facilities are extremely poor and require immediate attention. The road leading to the land port, which is currently under construction, must be widened and the work expedited.”  “Warehousing facilities, including cold storage, must be established. Testing facilities to ensure the quality of both perishable and non-perishable items should also be made available. Additionally, the opening of a bank at the port is essential for foreign exchange and other banking-related activities, along with an ATM. There is also a need to increase the parking space,” he added.
Regarding human resources, Syngkon emphasised that the port should be managed by qualified personnel. “Priority should be given to employing locals for both managerial and non-managerial positions. In light of these points, I urge your office to look into these issues and take the necessary action,” he said.
The Dawki Land Port is an important project by the Government of India, aimed at promoting trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh. It is located in West Jaintia Hills district, 55 km from the district headquarters in Jowai and about 84 km from Shillong. The corresponding land port in Bangladesh is Tamabil, situated in the Sylhet district.
The Dawki land port serves as a vital trade and transportation hub between India and Bangladesh, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and vehicles across the border, as well as the movement of passengers.
The development of the Dawki land port was approved by the High-Level Empowered Committee (HLEC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 4, 2016. The port spans a total area of 23.0 acres. The total cost, including land acquisition and development, is Rs 83.38 crore, with approximately Rs 9 crore allocated for land acquisition and Rs 74.38 crore for development.