Home Minister inaugurates Land Port Management System (VINIMAY); a new digital foundation for Smart Borders

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr Amit Shah has launched the Land Port Management System (LPMS– ‘VINIMAY’) in New Delhi. On this occasion, several dignitaries were present, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Secretary (Border Management) and the Chairman, Land Ports Authority of India.

Addressing the programme, Mr Shah said that after 2014, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, the Land Port Authority was given a new direction. Moving beyond a security-centric approach, land ports were developed as the first line of defence for security, a means to facilitate trade, and a bridge for people-to-people connectivity. At the same time, land ports have played a significant role in the holistic development of border areas, promoting legitimate trade, and addressing challenges such as migration from border villages and districts. Easier movement of people across borders has strengthened mutual trust between the people of both countries and enhanced cultural exchange. He said that in a country like India, with its vast land borders, border management plays a very important role.

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is working on a  four-pronged strategy to secure India’s borders under the concept of Smart Borders. The Land Ports Authority is set to play a crucial role in realizing this Smart Border vision. He stated that the Land Port Management System has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of all stakeholders, while giving special emphasis to security. Together with the Smart Border initiative, this system will help to create an impregnable and secure border management framework. He said that LPMS and the Smart Border initiative will together create a more secure and modern border management system. He added that this will help curb illegal activities and ensure the establishment of a robust and secure framework.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr  Amit Shah said that the Land Ports Authority has developed a modern, digital, integrated, and real-time management system for its land ports, bringing all stakeholders onto a single platform. He stated that through the Land Port Management System, the Land Ports Authority has fulfilled the core vision behind the establishment of land ports. In the coming days, we will make the Land Port Management System an integral part of the country’s Smart Security Grid, thereby ensuring not only our economic security but also our physical security. He said that this initiative of the Land Ports Authority will help fully realize the vision of Smart Borders. The system will provide an integrated digital platform for the management of cargo, passengers, and vehicles. It will enhance coordination among various agencies and make the exchange of information extremely seamless. Nearly 90% of paperwork will be eliminated. The Single Electronic Window and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-based gate operation system will result in significant time savings. Truck waiting times are expected to reduce by approximately 40% to 60%, while gate processing times will reduce by 22% to 35%. This will not only boost trade but also promote tourism and facilitate better coordination, dialogue, and cultural exchange between the citizens of both countries.

The Home Minister said that through LPMS, real-time data sharing among ICEGATE, the Motor Vehicle System, CBIC, BSF, DGFT, UIDAI, and ULIP on a common platform will further strengthen coordination among agencies operating at the borders. He said that a platform enabling coordination and information exchange among all these stakeholders will prove extremely beneficial for the country and will provide fresh momentum to development. He said that land ports have undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 years. While trade through land ports stood at `5,000 crore in 2014, it has now increased to `83,000 crore, reflecting a 16-fold growth. Shri Shah further stated that 15 land ports are currently operational, and 11 additional land ports are expected to become operational over the next two to three years.

Mr Shah expressed confidence that the vision envisaged by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for land ports will be achieved within the stipulated timeframe. He said that when this initiative of the Land Ports Authority is integrated with the Smart Border concept, the Land Ports Authority will emerge as a vital component of both India’s economic security and border security.

Please visit our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ikargosindia for fortnightly logistics news analysis and more!