Benapole Land Port to remain closed for 3 days due to India legislative polls

Trade activities through the Benapole land port will remain suspended for three days due to the upcoming West Bengal legislative elections in India, officials said on Monday (April 27).

Authorities confirmed that all import and export operations will remain shut during the period, although emergency medical visa holders and West Bengal voters will be allowed to travel. Import of perishable goods will also be exempt from the restriction.

Benapole Port Director Md Shamsul Hossain confirmed the development, citing an official letter issued by the District Magistrate and District Election Officer of North 24 Parganas, Shilpa Gaurisaria, dated April 24.

According to the notification, voting in 33 constituencies of North 24 Parganas will be held on April 29. To ensure smooth polling, movement of people and vehicles will remain restricted from 6:00pm on April 26 to 6:00am on April 30 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023. All international land ports and entry-exit points in the district will remain closed during this period.

Importers’ Association President Alhaj Mohsin Millon said normal trade activities will resume on Thursday morning.

Benapole immigration police officer-in-charge Shakhawat Hossain said West Bengal voters currently in Bangladesh will be allowed to return to India to cast their votes, while general passenger movement will remain restricted until 7:00am on April 30.

Customs officials said import-export operations will remain suspended, but internal port and customs activities will continue, and perishable goods arriving from India will be cleared on priority.