Trade in non-perishable general cargo through the Petrapole-Benapole land port on the India-Bangladesh border will remain suspended from October 17 to 23 for Durga Puja holidays, while the movement of perishable goods and passengers will continue as usual, officials said on Tuesday.
Petrapole land port head Kamlesh Saini said the movement of general cargo would remain suspended during the seven-day period. Trade in non-perishable general cargo will resume on October 24, he added.
An official at Bangladesh's Benapole land port said the suspension was due to holidays at the Indian port as well as in Bangladesh.
Located in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, Petrapole handles a major share of overland trade between India and Bangladesh. Hundreds of trucks carrying agricultural commodities, textiles, machinery and raw materials cross the border daily.
Traders usually clear consignments in advance before extended shutdowns to avoid delays and congestion at the port.