New Delhi: India and Bhutan have cleared two landmark railway projects that will establish the first-ever rail connectivity between the two countries, marking a historic step in their bilateral partnership.
The projects include the Kokrajhar–Gelephu new line and the Banarhat–Samtse new line. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu link, worth ₹3,456 crore, will connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region, where Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city.” Officials said the project will not only ease the movement of goods and people but also open new economic and employment opportunities.
The Banarhat–Samtse line, involving an investment of ₹577 crore, will connect West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district to Bhutan’s Samtse, which is being developed as an industrial hub. Together, these projects are expected to boost cross-border trade, enhance access to Indian ports, and reinforce Bhutan’s economic centres.
Highlighting the significance of the move, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “major new initiative” in India-Bhutan relations during a joint press briefing with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. “India and Bhutan share a relationship rooted in trust, cultural ties, and shared developmental interests,” Misri said, noting that both Bhutan’s King and Prime Minister have been engaging closely with India.
India has also doubled its financial commitment to Bhutan under its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), pledging ₹10,000 crore in assistance across infrastructure, community projects, and economic programs. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 visit to Bhutan, where he was honoured with the nation’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Yalpo.
Officials emphasized that these projects not only fulfil high-level promises but also position connectivity as a cornerstone of the India-Bhutan partnership, strengthening both trade and cultural bonds across the 700-km-long border.
