Overview
The LPAI has proposed 74 additional land ports over the next few years. The move aims to deepen economic ties, ease the movement of people and strengthen strategic presence along India’s 15,106.7 km land frontier.
Key Developments
- Three new ports on the China border: Namgia (HP), Gunji (UK) and Nathu La (SK).
- Six new ports on the Pakistan border: Teetwal, Adusa, Chakan‑Da‑Bagh (J&K), Attari and Hussainiwala (Punjab), Munabao (Rajasthan).
- Phase‑I: 23 ports proposed; 11 under construction; 15 already operational.
- Phase‑II: 40 ports planned – 13 with Nepal, 12 with Bangladesh, 4 with Bhutan, 2 with Myanmar.
- Current trade through land ports (2025‑26): ₹82,844 crore out of total border trade of ₹2,27,522 crore.
- Potential untapped trade via land borders: ₹4,44,167 crore.
Important Facts
India’s only operational land port on the Pakistan side is Attari. Trade from the two LoC facilitation centres at Salamabad (Uri) and Chakkan‑Da‑Bagh (Poonch) has been suspended since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The Ministry of External Affairs designates three points for India‑China trade: Lipulekh Pass (since 1992), Shipki La (since 1995) and Nathu La (since 2006). All trade halted in 2020 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the expansion of border trade helps answer GS‑III questions on trade policy, infrastructure and regional connectivity. The role of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in overseeing land‑border projects links to GS‑II topics on internal security and federal‑state coordination. The strategic placement of ports along contested borders touches upon GS‑II (foreign policy, security) and GS‑III (economic integration).
Way Forward
To realise the projected ₹4,44,167 crore of untapped trade, the government must:
- Accelerate construction of the 11 ports under way and fast‑track Phase‑II approvals.
- Synchronise customs, immigration and logistics systems across all borders.
- Re‑open suspended LoC trade points after security clearances.
- Promote people‑to‑people contact by facilitating pilgrimages and cultural exchanges at border towns.
- Monitor geopolitical sensitivities, especially with China and Pakistan, to avoid escalation.
Successful implementation will not only boost India’s export‑import balance but also reinforce its strategic depth and regional leadership.