Located along the India-Bangladesh border, the Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh) land port is the largest in South Asia. Situated about 80 km from Kolkata in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, the port facilitates over 30 per cent of land trade between the two countries and handles 2.2 million passengers annually, making it a vital economic gateway.
The project aimed to expand the port’s capacity to accommodate growing traffic. With the construction of a new terminal, its handling capacity surged from 550 to 2,500 passengers simultaneously, enabling the processing of up to 20,000 passengers daily, an impressive fivefold increase. The primary objective was to enhance efficiency and provide passengers with a seamless experience.
Design Philosophy
Delhi-based Creative Group LLP served as the principal architects for this landmark project and were the first to design India’s initial two land ports. Drawing inspiration from nature, the Petrapole Passenger Terminal stands as a testament to architectural innovation and sustainable design. Its fragmented yet harmonious geometry, shaped through computational design, allows for precise modular construction with minimal material waste.
The cascading, tunnel-like form, clad in a tensile fabric roof and aluminium louvers, creates a striking silhouette while reducing heat gain and promoting passive cooling. Inside, the column-free expanse, illuminated by natural daylight, ensures a seamless passenger flow, enhancing user experience while minimising energy consumption. The integration of prefabricated components, including polycarbonate sheets and strategically placed trusses, optimised construction efficiency and light distribution. The main structure, resembling seashells and barrels, forms a parametric shell that maximises passenger space.
Beyond design, the project faced significant challenges. Being built on an international border, every aspect required careful coordination while considering constraints from the neighbouring country. Additionally, its remote location in the outskirts of Bengal posed logistical challenges, particularly in material transportation. Despite these hurdles, the Petrapole Terminal is a landmark of efficient, responsible design, celebrating the merger of India and Bangladesh with a structure that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Steel As a Solution
With its superior ductility, Tata Structural steel hollow sections were the ideal material for shaping the Petrapole Passenger Terminal’s unique seashell and barrel-inspired design. Its flexibility allowed for precise execution of the parametric shell structure while ensuring durability. Additionally, uniform stacking of Tata Structura steel hollow sections made it easy for transportation to this remote border location, simplifying logistics and construction.
Tata Structura steel hollow sections for this project was supplied by M Raj Krishna Pvt Ltd. The project utilised over 1,000 MT of steel. This ensured structural integrity, efficiency, and a smooth execution of the ambitious architectural vision.
In October 2024, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah inaugurated the Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at the Land Port. The new terminal is designed to accommodate increasing trade and passenger traffic, providing vital infrastructure to support international commerce.
Fact File:
Project: Integrated Check Post, Petrapole
Client: Land Ports Authority of India
Architect: Creative Group LLP
Structural Consultants: Jaitly Associates
Project Management: Voyants Solutions Pvt Ltd
Supplier: Tata Structura
Channel Partner: M Raj Krishna Trading Pvt. Ltd.
Tonnage: 1000 MT
Quote:
“At Petra-pole, the vision was to go beyond just building a transit hub; it was about creating a space that feels open, fluid, and welcoming. The parametric shell isn’t just for aesthetics; it optimises material use and simplifies construction. With modular precision, passive cooling, and natural light, the design minimises waste and energy consumption. The column-free structure enhances openness, ensuring a smooth journey for passengers. By blending innovation with sustainability, Petrapole is a model for efficient, responsible architecture that connects nations while prioritizing comfort, functionality, and the environment.”
– Charanjit Singh Shah, Founding Principal; & Gurpreet Singh Shah, Principal Architect & Managing Director, Creative Group LLP
