New Delhi: India on Monday announced plans to build its first-ever cross-border railway links with Bhutan, a move aimed at strengthening trade, connectivity, and economic ties with the Himalayan nation. The two projects, with a combined cost of over ₹4,000 crore, will connect Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan and Banarhat in West Bengal with Samtse in Bhutan.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri jointly unveiled the plans, stating that 89 km of railway lines will be laid under the initiative, with work expected to be completed within four years. “India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect, and understanding,” Misri said, noting that the projects mark the first set of railway connectivity initiatives between the two nations.
The agreement for these links was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year. Vaishnaw said the projects would branch out from the existing Indian Railways network and play a vital role in supporting Bhutan’s economic growth. “As most of the EXIM trade of Bhutan is done through Indian ports, seamless rail connectivity becomes very important for the Bhutanese economy to grow and for its people to have better access to the global network,” he said.
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line will span 69 km, of which 2.39 km will fall on Bhutanese territory. The project, costing ₹3,456 crore, will include six stations, two major bridges, two viaducts, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goods sheds, one road-over-bridge, and 39 road-under-bridges. It is scheduled for completion in four years.
The second line, connecting Banarhat and Samtse, will be 20 km long with two stations along the route. Estimated at ₹577 crore, it is expected to be completed within three years.
Highlighting India’s development partnership with Bhutan, Misri said New Delhi has committed ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), doubling its support from the previous plan. The assistance will fund project-tied initiatives, community development programmes, economic stimulus measures, and programme grants.
The announcement comes at a time when Bhutan is seen as a key strategic partner in the region, with the projects expected to deepen economic integration and provide a significant boost to bilateral relations.
