Customs Clearing Agents Review Indian Truck Drivers Safety at Benapole Border

The safety and well‑being of Indian truck drivers operating at the Benapole–Petrapole border — a critical hub of India‑Bangladesh trade — came into sharp focus this week as customs clearing agents from both sides met to review ongoing concerns and ensure uninterrupted flow of goods across this vital trade route.

The Importance of Benapole Border Trade

The Benapole–Petrapole border serves as one of the busiest international freight movement India–Bangladesh corridors, handling a significant portion of bilateral land‑based trade. On an average day, hundreds of trucks carrying export and import consignments traverse this border, contributing to robust India‑Bangladesh trade corridor activity.

However, recent unrest in parts of Bangladesh has heightened anxiety among Indian transporters regarding the safety and security of their drivers and vehicles. Given that many Indian truck drivers remain at Benapole for several days while export consignments are unloaded, ensuring their safety is central to maintaining efficient cross‑border trucking India Bangladesh operations.

Customs Clearing Agents Hold Safety Talks

Customs clearing agents representing both India and Bangladesh — including members of the Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agents’ Staff Welfare Association at Petrapole — held deliberations with Bangladeshi customs and port authorities at Benapole. The core focus was to address concerns related to driver safety amid reports of civil unrest in neighboring regions.

Kartik Chakraborty, general secretary of the Petrapole C&F Agents’ association, noted that 70–100 Indian trucks typically wait at the land port at any given time, often staying for three to four days due to export unloading delays. This extended stay has made the welfare of drivers a priority for both clearing agents and authorities.

Assurances and Precautionary Measures

Authorities from Benapole reassured Indian counterparts that despite unrest elsewhere in Bangladesh, no direct threat to Indian truck drivers or the port area is anticipated. This assurance was a key outcome of the bilateral meeting.

However, as a border logistics safety measure, drivers have been strongly advised to remain within the secure confines of the land port premises and avoid venturing into nearby markets. Many drivers — particularly those from states outside West Bengal — typically step out to procure groceries or essentials during their stay, which has raised additional concerns in the current climate.

Continued Trade with Heightened Preparedness

Despite the regional situation, trade operations at the Petrapole–Benapole land port have continued without major disruption. Authorities on both sides are monitoring developments closely to ensure that freight movement remains steady while prioritising safety.

In addition, security measures along the West Bengal border have reportedly been strengthened to further safeguard drivers and cargo at the frontier. These steps aim to reinforce confidence among transport operators who play a vital role in sustaining the India‑Bangladesh trade corridor.

Why This Matters

Truck drivers are at the heart of border logistics safety measures and the broader ecosystem of international freight movement India‑Bangladesh. Disruptions — whether due to administrative delays or security concerns — can ripple across supply chains, affecting everything from agricultural products to industrial inputs. Addressing driver safety is therefore both a humanitarian and economic imperative.

With coordinated efforts between customs authorities and clearing agents, stakeholders remain hopeful that normalcy and productive cross‑border trade will continue unabated, even in the face of temporary regional challenges.