Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to speed up the construction of the ₹500 crore Banbasa Land Port in Champawat district. The project, being developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), aims to make cross-border trade and travel between India and Nepal faster, safer, and more organized. Once completed, it will serve as a major gateway for goods, passengers, and trade-related services, improving regional connectivity and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The Banbasa Land Port is being designed as a modern border hub that will bring multiple services under one roof. These include customs, immigration, security checks, and trade facilitation offices. This integrated setup will make the process of crossing the border simpler and quicker for traders, travelers, and transporters. According to officials, the new system will help reduce waiting times at checkpoints, improve transparency, and create a smoother experience for everyone using the border.
During his visit to the project site at Gudmi in Champawat, Chief Minister Dhami reviewed the progress and instructed officers to work in close coordination to avoid delays. He said the project will be an important step in improving infrastructure and border management along the India–Nepal corridor.
Dhami explained that the facility will help create a “single-window system” for all activities related to trade and travel. Currently, multiple departments handle different processes, which causes confusion and delays. The new land port will combine these departments in one place, improving efficiency and reducing paperwork.
He also emphasized that the port will help both sides manage cross-border movement in a more organized way. “Once operational, the land port will enable coordinated management of trade and passenger movement through one administrative and logistics system,” he said.
Officials from the Land Ports Authority of India, who accompanied the Chief Minister, said the Banbasa Land Port is being modeled on other successful border facilities such as those at Attari and Petrapole. These modern land ports have already made trade faster and more transparent at India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Banbasa project will also include passenger amenities such as waiting halls, parking areas, inspection zones, and logistics yards. These features aim to make the experience of crossing the border more comfortable and efficient for travelers and traders.
Officials confirmed that all key approvals for the Banbasa project have been granted. This includes environmental and land-use clearances. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has already approved the transfer of around 84 acres of forest land for the construction. Compensatory afforestation work has also begun to ensure that environmental requirements are met.
Chief Minister Dhami said that the state government has been working closely with the LPAI and central agencies to clear all procedural hurdles. “From environmental approvals to land transfer, every requirement has been completed in coordination with the central government,” he stated. He added that the focus is now on completing construction within the planned timeline.
The project’s cost is estimated at around ₹500 crore. Once operational, it is expected to boost trade between India and Nepal by creating a unified and efficient system for goods movement. Officials believe the land port will especially benefit the local economy of Champawat and nearby regions.
According to the government, the Banbasa Land Port will help farmers, traders, and small manufacturers in Uttarakhand and nearby states reach Nepalese markets more easily. It will also provide better access for Nepalese exporters to Indian markets. The new facility is likely to reduce logistics costs and make trade more competitive for both sides.
In addition to trade, the port is expected to create several new job opportunities in fields such as customs operations, warehousing, logistics, and transport. Local residents may find employment in both government and private roles once the facility becomes functional. The project will also attract investments in nearby areas, including in hotels, rest stops, and small industries.
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Chief Minister Dhami said the new port will also improve tourism and cultural exchange between India and Nepal. The upgraded infrastructure will make travel safer and more convenient for pilgrims, tourists, and local residents who frequently cross the border for cultural or family reasons.
Officials said that besides supporting trade in agricultural and industrial goods, the port will also help streamline the movement of people. With immigration and security checks housed under one system, visitors will experience fewer delays and clearer procedures.
Dhami noted that the project fits into the broader vision of the central government to improve connectivity and trade infrastructure along India’s borders. He said Uttarakhand is strategically located and can play a key role in strengthening India’s relations with Nepal through better-managed trade and travel systems.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that the Banbasa Land Port will serve as a model for future infrastructure projects in the state. “This is not just about building a trade facility,” he said, “it is about creating opportunities for our people and supporting long-term regional growth.”
Overall, the ₹500 crore Banbasa Land Port is seen as a game-changer for Uttarakhand’s border economy. It promises to make cross-border movement more efficient, create local jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen India–Nepal cooperation through better infrastructure and governance.
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