Inland Port Corporation to be set up to increase trade: Jairam

New Delhi, Apr 18 (UNI) To enhance trade with neighbouring countries through road links, India will invest over Rs 850 crore to set up 13 Inland Ports at places bordering Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan and a company in the name of Inland Port Corporation of India will be set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs for the purpose.

Speaking to reporters here today, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh said that the Home Ministry will put up the proposal before the Cabinet next month for seeking its approval.

''The Home Ministry's involvement has been sought to help in setting up these inland ports as certain issues relating to security, immigration and customs are being looked after by the Ministry,'' Mr Ramesh said.

He said that 8 inland ports will be set up bordering Bangladesh, 4 at Nepal and one at Pakistan.

The existing inland ports at Petrapole at Bangladesh border, Raxaul at Nepal and Attari at Pakistan will be fully revamped within the next one year costing about Rs 100 crore each and all the 13 ports will be in place within the next 30 months, he added.

Mr Ramesh said that this decision has been taken with a view to strengthen economic relations with our neighbouring countries.

UNI BBS SS HT1728