Development of integrated check posts with special reference to Moreh

T Haokip *

Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate at Moreh :: Pix - CK Sharma

The trend in trade, commerce and passenger movement across the international border is increasing due to globalization in economy. Landlock countries meet their trading needs through the nearest port. Economy of landlock countries requires effective systems to clear the freight quickly.

This requires modernization of land ports and its connectivity. In the present scenario, the Check-posts areas are chaotic due to a largely unplanned growth leading to undesirable delays and traffic jams. To facilitate and manage the growing trade with our neigbours it is imperative to improve infrastructure, simplify procedures and modernize our systems to meet the future needs.

In the context of Manipur the need for border trade with Myanmar assumes greater significance in view of the recent Look East policy of the government and the urgent need to counter the increasing expansion of Chinese economic power in Myanmar and South East Asia.

The return of democracy in Myanmar and the desire for socio-economic development, trade with neighboring states and adoption of open door policy has created a healthy climate to attract foreign investors.

In view of this increasing urgent need, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in its meeting held on 23rd November 2006 approved for -

Development of 13 Nos. of Integreted Check Post out of which 4 - ICPs viz 1. Attari- Wagah ,Punjab(Indo-Pak border), 2. Raxaul, Bihar(Indo-Nepal border), 3. Petrapole in West Bengal (Indo-Bangladesh border) & 4. Moreh, Manipur(Indo-Myanmar border) will be developed in Phase (I).

What is an Integrated Check Post ?

A sanitized zone having adequate passenger and freight processing facilities;

Integration of Three Main Border Related functions:

* Customs – for clearance of cargo /goods carried by vehicle, valuable personal items of passengers & currency by means of monitoring mechanism and installed equipments.

* Immigration : Checking of Pass Ports, Scrutiny of passenger’s identificatgion, Visa etc.

* Border Security : Providing and maintaining security, prevention of flow of illegal arms and other lethal weapons and back-up support to Customs and Immigration agencies.



THE PLANNING PHILOSOPHY :-

* The aim of planning of ICP is to split the traffic chaos and provide dedicated lanes for each type of vehicle based on process requirement. Each category of vehicle i.e. Trucks, Buses, Light vehicles and private cars will have separate lane and all kinds of monitoring mechanism will be installed for effective screening of vehicles and passengers to prevent possible inflow of non-duty paid goods, prohibited items, contraband goods and other activities that amounts to economic offence and criminal breach of the law of the land.

THE PLANNING APPROACH :-

* The planning of ICP is drawn on the basis of traffic projections translated into peak demand at the entry and exit point at the international border;

* The planning essentially include capturing process requirement in consultation with stakeholders i.e. the trade and the various agencies involved.

* An optimistic development plan with realistic implementation scheme, in modular form, to achieve a controlled growth.

MODULAR DESIGN :

* Dedicated lanes will be provided for each category of Vehicles for easy monitoring.

* Least Traffic Congestion and proper regulation by each enforcement agencies;

* Self evident routes supported by adequate space for parking and checking;

* Facility for Cargo handling and Load Transfer Activities ;

* Adequate facility for X-Ray / Scanning of Cargo & Vehicles at Terminal;

* Administrative and facility area for passenger traffic by Customs and Immigration.

PASSENGER REGULATION :

Processing facilities as per system need; Baggage Check / Screening. Adequate passenger amenities with each processor unit with control mechanism. CARGO HANDLING : Conveniently placed Process ; Optimum warehouse facilities ; Support facilities such as heavy cranes for handling of Inland Container Depot (ICD) at the ICP terminal.