The Government of India announced the development of two cross-border railway lines connecting India and Bhutan. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line in Assam and the Banarhat–Samtse line in West Bengal will cover a combined distance of 89 km at an estimated cost of Rs 40.33 billion.

The projects, part of India’s first rail connectivity initiative with Bhutan, were formalized following the MoU signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024. The rail lines are being designed to accommodate Vande Bharat trains, ensuring fast, efficient, and modern transport links.

Kokrajhar–Gelephu Line: Six stations, two viaducts, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goods sheds, one flyover, and 39 underpasses. Development timeline: four years.

Banarhat–Samtse Line: Two stations, one major flyover, 24 minor flyovers, and 37 underpasses. Development timeline: three years. Project cost: Rs 5.77 billion.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the strategic importance of these lines, noting they will give Bhutan access to India’s 1,50,000 km railway network, facilitating EXIM trade, tourism, industrial growth, and people-to-people exchanges.

India’s support for Bhutan also includes Rs 100 billion in developmental assistance for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), ongoing rail and road infrastructure cooperation, and prior projects including five major hydropower collaborations.

News source: The Hindu