INTEGRATED CHECK POST(ICP) Border checkpoints are an essential component of border management. They are typically managed by officials who are in charge of inspecting and facilitating legitimate cross-border movement of people and goods while preventing any unauthorised passage. Efficient border checkpoints are critical for promoting regional trade, an area in which South Asia lags. Inadequate infrastructure at border checkpoints is one of the most significant barriers to trade growth, as it impedes the movement of both goods and people into and out of neighbouring countries. Currently, intra-regional trade in South Asia accounts for only 5% of the region's total global trade. Thus, border checkpoint conditions must be improved in order to improve India's ties with neighbouring countries, particularly trade and people-to-people relations. As part of efforts to improve the infrastructure at border checkpoints, India is developing Integrated Check-Posts (ICPs).
Figure 41 Integrated Check post at Attari-Wagah Border
“The idea of developing ICPs was formulated by India to provide customs, immigration and other allied facilities through a single facilitation zone.”
The ICPs, which were developed in the early 2000s in the aftermath of the Kargil war (1999) and have been implemented since 2012, have helped to streamline cross-border trade and passenger flows by modernising border management infrastructure. India has built nine ICPs to date and plans to operate an additional 14 by 2025. As part of its development cooperation, India has also built two ICPs in Nepal, with a third currently under construction. 45
