The Sabroom land port, situated near the Bangladesh border, is set to commence operations. Its strategic location, close to the Chittagong port in Bangladesh, positions it as a vital gateway for regional trade, offering improved logistics and connectivity.
The newly built land port in Sabroom, Tripura, is expected to begin operations by early 2025, as announced by Aditya Mishra, Chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). Situated in the Gomati district near the Bangladesh border, the port is designed to boost bilateral trade and tourism between India and Bangladesh.
Built with an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore, it is located next to the Maitri Setu (Friendship Bridge) and aims to enhance logistics and trade efficiency. According to Aditya Mishra, “The land port at Sabroom adjacent to Bangladesh is ready for operation. We wanted to make it operational on August 14 but could not due to the political situation in the neighbouring country. However, we are hopeful it will be functional early next year.”
Mishra highlighted the port’s strategic significance, noting its potential to drive economic growth and create tourism opportunities on both sides of the border. At a program titled ‘Building Bridge: Trade and Connectivity through Land Port Sabroom,’ Mishra and other officials met with key stakeholders, including Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General of BSF Eastern Command, and Sailendra Kumar Sinha, Chief Commissioner of Customs.
At present, Tripura has two land ports – one in Agartala under West District and another at Srimantapur of Sepahijala District. The state shares an 856 km long border with Bangladesh. As per the records from the Tripura government’s Industry and Commerce Department, trade between Tripura and Bangladesh has seen a significant rise, growing from Rs 230 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 715 crore in 2023-24.
The Sabroom land port’s proximity to Bangladesh’s Chittagong port positions it as an important trade hub. Its location near Maitri Setu is also expected to make it a focal point for cross-border tourism. While the infrastructure is ready, final clearance for operations depends on resolving political issues with Bangladesh. This development aligns with India’s Act East policy, which aims to improve trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation with neighboring countries.
Inaugurated on March 9, 2024, by the Prime Minister of India, the Land Port Sabroom is a key addition to the Land Ports Authority of India’s network, aimed at enhancing India-Bangladesh relations and regional trade. Located in southern Tripura, the port connects the Northeastern Region of India to mainland India and provides access to global markets via Bangladesh’s Chattogram Port. Beyond trade, the area will host a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a logistics hub, and the land port, all within a 10-km radius. These developments are expected to foster economic growth, create jobs, and boost regional industrial activity.
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