AGARTALA, June 27 (TIWN): The restructuring works of Srimantapur Land Customs Station, one of the busiest bilateral trade hubs of the state would be completed by end of this year. Following demand from the state government, the Ministry of Commerce has sanctioned Rs. 16 crore for expansion of facilities at the exiting Srimantapur LCS.

“Various activities are in full swing at the Srimantapur LCS and expected to get over the improvement works by end of this year”, said an official of Industries and Commerce department here today.

If the modernization plan is implemented at Srimantapur, the Indo-Bangla border trade will get major boost. In fact, lack of facilities appeared major bottleneck for the exporters and importers at Srimantapur LCS. However, face-lift works for Muhurighat LCS has been stalled because of land problem.

The department along with the district administration has been working to sort out the impasse over the land acquisition process. “We are expecting to start the work at Muhurighat in Belonia subdivision by next six to seven months”, said the official. A proposal has been sent to the Centre seeking financial assistance for improvement of trade facilities at Khowaighat, Manughat and Raghna LCS.

“We have come to know, the proposal is under active consideration of the Commerce Ministry”, he said. Of the total seven LCSs, only Akhaura LCS has been converted into Integrated Check Post to boost the bilateral trade. While Kamalpur LCS is not working, the state government has requested the Centre to denotify declaring Sabroom LCS operational.