Attari ICP to have rail-linked depot

GS Paul

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 5

In a move aimed at boosting trade between India and Pakistan, a rail-linked Inland Container Depot (ICD) with allied facilities will be set up at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari.

Jagtosh Shukla, Senior Divisional Manager (Operations), Northern Railway, Ferozepur, said this during a business conclave organised by the ICP Chamber of Commerce here today. Rajya Sabha member Shwait Malik presided over the conclave.

Land Ports Authority of India’s member (finance) CV Prasad, DC (Customs) Balwinder Singh, CII (Punjab) former chairman Gunbir Singh, and leading exporters and importers were also present.

The Railways had conducted a survey at the Attari railway station a few months ago to prepare a feasibility report on the project.

At present, Attari offers six rail lines — three each for passenger and goods trains from Pakistan.

The proposal is to extend the Attari rail link to the ICP port — 3.2 km apart by road. The minimum distance between the ICP’s boundary and the railway line is just 800 m.

“Land is to be acquired to extend the rail link. The previous SAD-BJP government had initiated the process and it is underway,” Shukla said.

At present, about 10,000 trucks of rice per month go to Ludhiana and then to Kandla and Jamnagar ports (both in Gujarat) for export to Pakistan. This entails exorbitant logistic cost. With the coming up of direct rail ICD, there will be no more haulage charges.

Mohit Khanna, president, ICP Chamber of Commerce, said full-body 22-wheel truck scanners would be installed here soon.

The Union Ministry of Home has sanctioned Rs40 crore for installing two sets of scanners at the ICP. High-definition 108 CCTV cameras with night vision facility worth Rs4.75 crore are being installed to strengthen security.

Logistics centre 

An Inland Container Depot (ICD) is a dry port or multimodal logistics centre based in a landlocked area. It's equipped to handle loaded and empty containers from ships through the rail or road network. An ICD is recognised by the customs and port authorities as an extension of the sea port. Customers based in the hinterland receive cargoes at the ICD just like those based in coastal areas receive the same at the sea port.