West Bengal plans business corridor with border countries.

To boost the Look East policy of the Centre, the West Bengal Government has proposed setting up dedicated business corridor by upgrading the trade route with countries with which the State shares international border.

West Bengal shares border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and the project which aims to develop the infrastructure along international checkpoints with the neighbouring countries has been approved by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

'This is an exciting project and we have worked out the preliminary details,' Chief Secretary Sanjoy Mitra said.

The project will invest in widening of national highways, construction of approach roads, flyovers and other infrastructure along the international checkpoints. It will thus boost trade, travel and tourism between India and the neighbouring countries.

The cost of implementing the project is estimated at Rs. 2,000 crore and the State would approach the Centre for deciding on the funding pattern, the officials said. The proposal also provides an opportunity to explore investment through public-private partnership model.

THE HINDU