New Delhi [India], September 29 (ANI): India and Bhutan are set to enhance connectivity with the launch of the first-ever rail link projects between the two countries, marking a milestone in their bilateral partnership.
Two key projects have been approved: the Kokrajhar–Gelephu new line and the Banarhat–Samtse new line.
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line, with an investment of ₹3,456 crore, will connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. Officials noted that the project will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but also generate employment and economic opportunities. Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city” under Bhutan’s long-term vision.
The second project, the Banarhat–Samtse line, will link West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district with Bhutan’s Samtse. With an investment of ₹577 crore, the line is expected to boost cross-border trade and connectivity. Samtse is being developed as an industrial hub by the Government of Bhutan.
Officials emphasized that these projects, spanning the 700 km India-Bhutan border, will strengthen Bhutan’s access to global trade routes through Indian ports. The new lines are seen as part of India’s commitment to support Bhutan’s economic centres and deepen bilateral ties.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the initiative as a “major new step” in India-Bhutan relations. “India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding. It is rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, extensive people-to-people relations and shared developmental and security interests,” Misri said at a joint press conference in Delhi with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Highlighting high-level engagement, Misri recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s March 2024 visit to Bhutan, during which he was awarded the Order of the Druk Yalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. He also noted that both the King and Prime Minister of Bhutan have been engaging closely with India, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations.
On India’s contribution to Bhutan’s development, Misri underscored that the Government of India has been Bhutan’s largest development partner, especially in infrastructure and economic modernization. For Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), India has committed ₹10,000 crore in assistance — double the allocation under the 12th Plan.
The projects, officials stressed, represent a transformative step in regional connectivity and trade, solidifying India-Bhutan cooperation for the future. (ANI)
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