After a long wait, the ambitious Integrated Check Post (ICP) project, which will connect India and Pakistan through newly-built gates, will be inaugurated at the Attari border on April 13.
Apart from trade purposes, the new gates are likely to allow passenger movement. The existing gate on the border may be just left for the popular retreat ceremony.
After seeing the heavy trade rush, both countries had decided to come up with ICPs on respective sides with all modern facilities.
India has built the ICP on 121 acres with modern offices for immigration, customs, loading and unloading areas, waiting halls and other features.
Secretary, border management, Government of India, AE Ahmad has already made a couple of visits to look into the project and will visit the border again on Tuesday.
Talking to HT, Amritsar deputy commissioner Rajat Aggarwal said, "It has been confirmed that the ICP will be inaugurated on April 13. All aspects related to the project are complete and the secretary, border management, will visit the border on April 3."
To a question that has Pakistan agreed on allowing passenger movement through the new gates, the DC said, "This issue had been worked out by the ministry of external affairs and the situation is likely to become clear by Tuesday."
{{/usCountry}}To a question that has Pakistan agreed on allowing passenger movement through the new gates, the DC said, "This issue had been worked out by the ministry of external affairs and the situation is likely to become clear by Tuesday."
{{/usCountry}}Both India and Pakistan see the Attari route as a major trade corridor. India is sending fresh vegetables across the border, while dry dates, chemical, rock salt and gypsum come from Pakistan through the route.