Cross-border movement of trucks at Wagah to boost trade

The decision by Pakistan and Indian authorities to allow cross-border movement of commercial vehicle from October 1 would not only help in boosting the trade but also help in fast clearance of goods.

Presently, due to movement of VIP and other factors, trade often comes to halt as there is only one gate for export, import and passenger movement.

Prior to this decision, there was a proposal to build a separate dedicated cargo gate for imports and exports at Wagah border (Indo-Pak border).

The proposal, put by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was rejected and finally decided that the trucks would be allowed into Indian or Pakistani territory from Wagah between 7.30 in the morning to 2.30 in the afternoon from the existing gate.

Also, in the offing are integrated check-post at the Wagah border, a cargo complex, improving infrastructure at Attari station, etc.

The opportunities for trade via Wagah (Attari Road) as well as through Attari Station (3 km from the Indo-Pak border) have vastly increased, largely owing to the changing economic environment and greater degree of market orientation in India and Pakistan.

The Pakistan government has allowed duty free import of six items -- onions, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and meat and livestock (including buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep and camels) -- from India through the Wagah land route. Also, India imports dry fruit through Wagah border.

Through Attari Road via Wagah, in 2005-06, goods worth Rs 65.04 crore were exported to Pakistan, while in 2006-07, the figure touched Rs 166.72 crore. The exports to Pakistan in the first two months of the current financial year has reached Rs 16.60 crore.

During last financial year around 55, 000 people (including outgoing & incoming, excluding pilgrimage Jathas) crossed the border through Attari via road, which clearly indicates that it is bustling with the activities.

Sources said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed construction of toilets for tourists which comes to witness the beating retreat at Wagah. Further, to improve the infrastructure at Attari station, there are proposals from the ministry to increase the number of custom clearance counters and construction of motorable track along the railway line for surveillance.

The Pakistan government has already upgraded the infrastructure and made the road to Wagah six lane and constructed a cargo terminal. Although the government has proposed a four-lane road from Verka to Wagah, it is yet to take off.

At present trucks are not allowed to enter each other's territory. About 700 porters at the Wagah border receive and transfer goods without entering each other's territory. An official said, "There should be an upgraded X-ray scanner that can scan a truck in one go; in the absence of such machines, only samples are scanned." Besides, trade is restricted to about 5-6 hours.

"At present the trade with Pakistan through Wagah border is more than Rs 650 crore annually. But it can rise manifold if infrastructure is improved and if Pakistan allows some more item to trade through Wagah. He said that recently he had a meeting with Anne Krueger, an IMF official, who stated in her presentation that if the border is opened fully for trade the trade it can touch 9 billion dollar annually," Gunbir Singh, chairman, CII Amritsar Zone, said.