NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Land Port Management System (LPMS) here on Tuesday, an integrated digital platform designed to streamline cargo processing and passenger movement across all land ports. Shah stated that the system would reduce paperwork by 90%, cut waiting times for cargo trucks by 22-35%, and decrease gate processing time by 40-60%.
LPMS as Part of Smart Security Grid
Shah described LPMS as a modern, digital, integrated, and real-time system that brings together all stakeholders and data systems. He emphasized that it would become a vital component of the envisioned 'smart security grid', ensuring both economic and physical security. The system will enhance synergy and information-sharing among various agencies, he added.
Current and Planned Land Ports
India currently has 15 operational land ports, with plans to develop 11 more over the next three years. The home minister highlighted that LPMS would not only boost trade volumes but also promote tourism, people-to-people contact, and cultural exchange between border villages on both sides. It aims to replace illegal activities with legitimate trade and enable all-round development of border areas, thus curbing outmigration.
Smart Border Concept
Shah noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs is working on implementing the 'smart border' concept, which, combined with LPMS, will make borders impregnable. He also mentioned that the launch coincides with 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance focused on public welfare and progress. Additionally, he referred to Modi surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's unbroken 4,398-day tenure as Prime Minister on Wednesday.
Trade Growth Under Modi
The home minister highlighted that trade through land ports has increased sixteen-fold to Rs 83,000 crore from Rs 5,000 crore in 2014 under Modi's leadership. He credited Modi for introducing 360-degree and equitable development, noting that 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line in the last 12 years.
Social Welfare Achievements
Shah listed several welfare achievements: nearly 81 crore people receiving 5 kg free rations, 58 crore new Jan Dhan accounts, 44 crore with Rs 5 lakh Ayushman cover, 16 crore houses with tap water access, 12.7 crore houses with toilets, and over 10.5 crore houses with cooking gas connections. He added that nearly 4 crore pucca houses have been provided, with another 2 crore under construction, aiming for every family to have a pucca home within two years.
Aspirational Districts Progress
The home minister highlighted that several aspirational districts have reached levels comparable to the top five districts in the country across 30 parameters, thanks to Modi's developmental push. He also cited India's resilience during Covid, stating that the Modi government overcame challenges better than most countries.
