New Delhi [India], November 20 (ANI): India and Bhutan held the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee on the India-Bhutan Rail Links Project in New Delhi on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
According to the MEA, the meeting was co-chaired by Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), and Karma Wangchuk, Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. The discussions focused on the implementation modalities of the two rail links envisaged under the project: Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse. Representatives from the Ministry of Railways and the state governments of Assam and West Bengal also participated in the meeting.
India and Bhutan are set to strengthen connectivity with the launch of the first-ever rail link projects between the two countries, marking a significant step in their bilateral partnership. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced in September a “major new initiative” for establishing rail connectivity between India and Bhutan.
According to official details, two major projects have been cleared: 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 create stronger economic and employment opportunities. Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city” under Bhutan’s long-term plans.
The second project, the Banarhat–Samtse line, will link West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district with Bhutan’s Samtse region. 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 enhance Bhutan’s access to international trade routes through Indian ports. The new lines are viewed as part of India’s commitment to support Bhutan’s economic centers and deepen bilateral ties.
Authorities noted that the projects will help fulfill commitments made during recent high-level exchanges, further positioning connectivity as a cornerstone of the India-Bhutan partnership.
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