Image Credits : Highland Post
To establish an LPAI Chair and a Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) and the institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to foster research and development in border management and logistics, enhancing the operational efficiency of India’s land ports.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony that brought together senior officials from both institutions. The collaboration is expected to address critical challenges in cross-border trade and improve the infrastructure and management of land ports across the country. The Centre of Excellence will focus on conducting in-depth research, providing policy recommendations, and offering training programs to officials working in border management and logistics.
IIM Shillong will work closely with the LPAI to ensure that the Centre addresses both national and international best practices in land port management. The LPAI Chair, to be instituted at IIM Shillong, will serve as a focal point for advanced studies and thought leadership in this field.
This partnership comes at a crucial time, as India continues to modernize its infrastructure and streamline trade processes to boost economic growth. By enhancing the capacity and efficiency of land ports, the collaboration is expected to facilitate smoother and more secure cross-border trade, particularly with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Industry experts have hailed the initiative, noting that such collaborations are vital for improving India’s border management systems and strengthening its position in global trade.
The partnership also emphasizes the importance of capacity building and skill development, with the Centre of Excellence set to offer specialized training programs for LPAI officials and other stakeholders involved in border management. These programs will be designed to improve the operational capabilities of land ports, ensuring smoother trade flows and reducing bottlenecks at key border points. The Centre will focus on leveraging new technologies, such as digital platforms and AI-driven logistics solutions, to enhance the efficiency of port operations.