India on Monday announced plans to construct the first two cross-border railway links with Bhutan, with an estimated combined cost of Rs 4,033 crore. The projects, namely the Kokrajhar-Gelephu line and the Banarhat-Samtse line, have received official approval.
Connecting Assam to Bhutan
The Rs 3,456 crore Kokrajhar-Gelephu line will link Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. Spanning 70 km, the route will feature six stations and nearly 100 bridges. Officials said the new line will facilitate smoother passenger and goods movement and boost economic activity in the region. The line is also expected to support Bhutan’s plans to develop Gelephu as a “mindfulness city.”
Linking West Bengal with Bhutan
The Rs 577 crore Banarhat-Samtse line will connect West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district to Bhutan’s Samtse region. This 20-km stretch will include two stations and 25 bridges. Officials noted that the project will enhance cross-border trade and assist Bhutan in developing Samtse as an industrial hub.
Strategic importance
Speaking on the significance of these projects, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, with most of Bhutan’s exports and imports passing through Indian ports. “Seamless rail connectivity is crucial for Bhutan’s economic growth and for improving access to the global market,” Vaishnaw said.
The new rail links are expected to strengthen India-Bhutan ties and create opportunities for trade, tourism, and regional development.
