India’s West Bengal seals land borders to ensure smooth conduct of elections

The movement of both people and vehicle for exit to Bangladesh and entry to Indian territory from Bangladesh has been restricted until polls end

The government of India’s West Bengal has issued an order restricting movement of both people and vehicles for exit to Bangladesh and entry to Indian territory to ensure the smooth conduct of state elections.

The office of the District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas, said in statement that the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election will be held on Apr 29 in 33 constituencies of the district from 7am to 5:30pm.

To ensure smooth polling, all international land border routes will be sealed and movement will be restricted from 6pm, the statement said.

The order restricts all cross-border movement of people and vehicles in North 24 Parganas from 6pm on Apr 26 until polling concludes.

Certain exemptions have been granted, including for medical emergencies requiring travel from Bangladesh to India and for West Bengal residents returning to cast their votes.

Vehicles transporting perishable goods are also permitted to pass through the border during this period.