Garhwal Post Bureau
Champawat, 24 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today conducted an on-site inspection of the upcoming modern Land Port project at Gudmi in Banbasa, Champawat district. The project is being developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 500 crores and is aimed at enhancing cooperation, trade, and development in the border areas between India and Nepal. On this occasion, Dhami noted that the Union Government, through LPAI, is fast-tracking this ambitious initiative in close coordination with the Uttarakhand Government.
He also shared that all the necessary formalities, including environmental clearance, compensatory afforestation, and land transfer, have been already completed at the very beginning of the project. It may be reminded here that, this year, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had granted final approval for nearly 84 acres of forest land, paving the way for the launch of construction activities.
The CM emphasised that the Banbasa Land Port will establish an integrated, convenient, and secure system for trade and passenger movement across the India-Nepal border. He added that key agencies related to Customs, security, trade, and border management will operate from a single complex, thereby improving efficiency and transparency in border operations.
Dhami also asserted that the project goes beyond infrastructure development and will play a transformative role in the economic uplift of the border regions. He also felt that the strategic location of the land port will facilitate formal cross-border trade in agricultural and industrial goods, while also creating new employment opportunities for local youth. He claimed that the facility will enable the farmers and small producers to access cross-border markets directly, which will reduce the transportation costs and allow for value addition to their products. This, he claimed, will also strengthen bilateral ties between India and Nepal and also foster tourism, cultural exchange, and mutual cooperation.
Dhami claimed that the project is in alignment with the Government of India’s vision for regional integration and its policy of secure and sustainable border development. He shared that LPAI is conducting a design competition to develop an eco-friendly model that balances modern infrastructure with nature conservation. Dhami urged the Government of India, LPAI, and all the state departments and agencies concerned to maintain a close coordination to ensure timely completion of the project. He also asserted that Banbasa Land Port will redefine Uttarakhand’s border identity, ushering in a new era of prosperity, cooperation, and opportunity.
