West Bengal Receives Gold Award For Trade Facilitation From Centre

The West Bengal government earned a gold award from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions on Saturday for the Suvidha Vehicles Facilitation System.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions presented the award at the 26th National e-Governance Conference in Indore.

“The award was given by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions Jitendra Singh and I was there to receive it”, said Petrapole land port manager Kamlesh Saini to PTI. Officials from the state IT department were also present at the ceremony. The honor also includes a financial prize of Rs 10 lakh for the department.

The method considerably shortens the time it takes cargo trucks to cross the border and saves money on demurrage.

The portal was developed by the West Bengal government in collaboration with the Land Ports Authority of India, Indian Customs (CBIC), and Border Security Force (BSF) to facilitate vehicle clearance and movement at numerous Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) throughout the state. The system enables exporters to arrange truck clearance times online to travel through ICP Petrapole.

Exporters must have an e-Suvidha pass and digitally upload driver and vehicle details to the portal. This shortens the time it takes trucks to cross the border. The online booking feature allows exporters to check the availability of parking places and reserve their desired slot ahead of time, ensuring that trucks arrive at the check post on time.

The exporter receives a text message with real-time updates at each stage. Drivers previously had to wait for 30 to 40 days for their chance to enter the ICP.

The award recognizes West Bengal’s state government’s efforts to promote trade facilitation and lower the time and cost of conducting business.

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