In a major move to strengthen connectivity between India and Bhutan, the first-ever rail link projects between the two countries are set to be launched. This initiative marks a significant step in the bilateral partnership between India and Bhutan. The two key rail links that have been approved are the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line and the Banarhat–Samtse line. These projects, currently under development will be critical for enhancing both cargo and passenger movement.
About the rail projects
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway line, with an investment of Rs 3,456 crore, is set to connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. The project will not only enhance the movement of people and goods, but also create better economic opportunities and job creation in the region. Significantly, Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city,” in line with Bhutan’s vision for sustainable and holistic development.
The second project, the Banarhat-Samtse line, will connect West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district with Bhutan’s Samtse. This line, with an investment of Rs 577 crore, is expected to boost cross-border trade and connectivity. Moreover, the Samtse region is being developed as an industrial hub by the Bhutan government.
These two projects, covering the 700 km long India-Bhutan border, will improve Bhutan’s access to international trade routes through Indian ports. The projects are also seen as part of India’s commitment to support Bhutan’s economic centres and strengthen bilateral ties.
Sharing details about the project in a joint press conference with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “major new initiative” between India and Bhutan for the establishment of rail connectivity.
“India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding. This is a relationship that is rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, extensive people-to-people relations and our shared developmental and security interests. These ties are reflected in very close contact at the highest levels,” Misri said.
Union Minister Vaishnaw further highlighted the importance of these railway lines while focusing on the increased connectivity. He emphasised that India is the largest trading partner of Bhutan and most of the exempt trade of Bhutan is done through Indian ports, which demands a seamless rail connectivity.
“This project is basically connecting two very important cities of Bhutan. One is Gelephu, which is being developed as a mindfulness city. And secondly, Samtse, which is an industrial city. The two projects will take off from the network of Indian Railways at Kokrajhar and Banarhat. The investment which is envisaged at this point in time is about Rs 4033 crore, and the total length is about 90 kilometres to be precise. 89 kilometres of railway network will be created,” Vaishnaw stated.
