The only land port in south Bengal, the border checkpoint of Petrapole connects India and Bangladesh, and constitutes one of the largest customs stations in Asia.

The new passenger terminal at Petrapole is envisioned as a contemporary approach towards an integrated design for the seamless flow of passengers. Conceived as a parametric shell, the gateway is a grand yet modest gesture of welcome for passengers passing through the India-Bangladesh border. The design aims at creating an exemplary landmark structure to accentuate the identity of the state with its infrastructure, services and utilities. The idea is based on an inclusive eco-sensitive design approach, with infusion of sustainability, climate response and energy efficiency at every layer of arrangement initiation—from site planning to building form, and from orientation to materials and construction technology.

The composition of the built form is conceived by consistent and extensive research on existing site conditions, local climate, passenger flow and availability of natural resources. It thereby goes beyond context and establishes a contemporary vocabulary for the passenger terminal.