The development of communication system using the Padma Bridge has affected Benapole, the largest land port of the country. Benapole broke the previous record of passenger crossing through the check post. In the fiscal year 2022-23, 21 lakh 29 thousand 693 passport holders traveled between Bangladesh and India through this check post. It has earned the government about a hundred crores of revenue. Those concerned say that the distance between Dhaka and Benapole port has decreased due to the benefit of Padma bridge and the passenger traffic on this route has increased. Cargo trucks no longer have to wait for hours on the banks of the river in inclement weather. As a result, commercial benefits have also increased. According to port sources, millions of people go every year to meet their relatives for travel, medical treatment, business, education, etc., through Benapole international check post immigration, the country’s largest land port, including Kolkata, the commercial city of India. Most of the people going to India use this route due to easy communication system, less travel time and cost. Record passenger crossing through Benapole Checkpost Aminul Haque, Vice President of Benapole Import-Exporters Association said, Padma Bridge was the most discussed among the projects implemented in the development sector in the country last year. Due to the bridge, the distance from Dhaka to Benapole port has decreased by 71 km. This not only eased trade but also reduced the suffering of passengers traveling between India and Bangladesh. Now Benapole can be reached in just 4 and a half hours from Dhaka. Other port or air route users are now using the Benapole route for convenience and cost savings. Also Read: Transactions in Rs: 36 pickups in first shipment with Benapole However, passengers did not suffer due to non-development of necessary infrastructure. Jasmin, a passenger from India, said that the journey to Padma Bridge has become easier. But the old woes at the port of Benapole remain. Passenger safety and facilities should be increased at the port. Amir Hossain, a passenger with a passport to India, said that currently, adults have to pay Tk 1,000, children Tk 500 as travel tax and port authorities have to pay Tk 52 for terminal charges. But there is no desired service. As there is no passenger shelter at the port, one has to stand on the road for hours. The passenger said about rescheduling of the traveler’s rate. Record passenger crossing through Benapole Checkpost According to Benapole Immigration sources, the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 has fixed the travel tax at Tk 1000; Which came into effect from last July 1. Besides, a travel tax of Tk 500 has been fixed for passengers below 12 years of age. However, no travel tax will be required for passengers below five years, blind, cancer sufferers and crippled passengers, the check post immigration authorities said. Earlier, passengers could travel by paying 500 taka travel tax. Ahsan Habib, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Benapole Checkpost Immigration Police said that the Immigration Police is providing all-out cooperation for the convenience of passport passengers going to India and Bangladesh. No irregularity is done. Due to this, the number of passport holders traveling to India is increasing every year. Shafayet Hossain, Joint Commissioner of Benapole Custom House, said that Padma Bridge has made the communication system easier. Passengers are now using Benapole Checkpost more to save time and save time. It also increased the revenue of the government. Last fiscal year, about 100 crores of revenue was generated from travel tax. Record passenger crossing through Benapole Checkpost Abdul Jalil, Acting Director of Benapole Port, said that the work of acquiring the passenger camp site is going on to reduce the suffering of the passengers. Last financial year, 21 lakh 29 thousand 693 passengers with passports traveled through Benapole port only for the benefit of Padma bridge. Among them, 1 million 80 thousand 684 people went to India. And 10 lakh 49 thousand 8 people came to the country from India. He said that five lakh 58 thousand 598 people traveled in the fiscal year 2021-22. Passengers increased by 15 lakh 71 thousand 101 people in 2022-23 financial year compared to 2021-22 financial year.
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