Chidambaram lays border post foundation in Agartala

The setting up of ICPs along India's internal border is a major initiative, which the Government of India has taken as part of a Plan scheme with an initial outlay of Rs. 635 crores during the 11th Five Year Plan.

The ICPs are envisaged to overcome the infrastructural bottlenecks at the various entry and exit points on the land borders of the country. They are expected to provide facilities for the effective and efficient discharge of sovereign functions such as security, immigration, customs, quarantine, etc. while also providing support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of persons, goods and transport.

The estimated cost of Agartala ICP Project is Rs. 73.50 crore. Rs. 42.17 crore has been approved for the civil construction of this ICP.

The schedule for the completion of the project is around 14 months. The project is likely to be completed by July, 2012.

The Department of Border Management has finalized the Detailed Project Reports for all the 13 ICPs to be initially set up on the borders between India and Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Myanmar.

The construction work of ICPs at Attari on the Indo-Pakistan border,Raxaul and Jogbani on the Indo-Nepal border has already started.

The salient features of the ICP are a modular design, dedicated lanes for each process, separate gates for traffic across the border, least traffic conflicts, self-evident routes, guide signage and administrative and facility area. Facilities which will be available include Passenger terminal building, Internet facility, Cargo inspection sheds, Quarantine laboratory, Banks and other public utilities