P. Chidambaram Inaugurates ICP at Attari; ICP to Boost Bilateral Trade

P. Chidambaram Inaugurates ICP at Attari; ICP to Boost Bilateral Trade

P. Chidambaram Inaugurates ICP at Attari; ICP to Boost Bilateral Trade

       Union Home Minister  Shri P. Chidambaram Union Home Minister inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Punjab this evening in the presence of Chief Minister of  Punjab, Shri Parkash Singh Badal, Union Commerce Minister, Shri Anand Sharma,   Pakistan Commerce  Minister  Shri Makdoom Amin Fahim;  Chief  Minister of Punjab province of Pakistan Shri Shahbaz Sharif; Minister of State Shri Ashwani Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal;  Ministers of Punjab, diplomats and other dignitaries. 

Salient features of ICP Attari are as under:

Ø         ICP Attari has been constructed at a cost of about  Rs. 150 crores and is spread over 118 acres.

Ø         Passenger terminal building measures 9600 sq mts

Ø         There are all together 16 Immigration counters and 12 Customs counters on Arrival & Departure side of Passenger terminal building.

Ø         X-ray baggage scanners, DFMD’s/HHMD’s and modern amenities like health services, child care and prayer room, have been provided for the convenience of passengers.  Ramps and wheelchairs for the physically challenged have been provided too.

Ø         Dedicated Cargo Terminal building measuring 4700 sq. mts., import ware house measuring 7400 sq mts. export ware house measuring 3400 sq. mts. and  parking of trucks measuring 55000 sq. mts.  have also been provided for efficient cargo processing.

Ø         4 companies of BSF have been deployed for providing 24 X 7 security to this ICP along with 230 CCTV cameras and control and command centre for monitoring of passenger and freight processing.

Ø         ICP Attari also provides associated facilities like, plant quarantine, isolation rooms, fumigation centre, MT room, Weigh Bridge, PA system, boom-barriers & dormitory. 

Ø         All the facilities are backed by 1800 KVA substation with 100 % power backup.

Ø         The ICP complex has 99000 sq mts. area for future expansion.

Ø         A helipad has also been provided.

            Operationalization of ICP Attari will lead to reduction in passenger and freight processing time paving way for enhanced people to people contact and expansion of trade between the two countries.

            It will provide employment and business opportunities for the local population and contribute to area development. It is symbolic of India’s desire for progressive, productive and mutually beneficial relationship with its neighbouring countries.