India-Bhutan Cross-Border Rail Link to Cost Rs 30 Bn

16 Jul 2024 CW Team

India and Bhutan are set to establish their first-ever cross-border rail link, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting bilateral trade and tourism. The project, estimated at Rs 30 billion, marks a milestone in the countries' strategic partnership and regional connectivity efforts.

The rail link will connect India's Hasimara in West Bengal to Bhutan's Toribari, spanning approximately 18 kilometres. This initiative aims to facilitate seamless movement of passengers and freight between the two nations, contributing to economic development and cultural exchange.

The project is expected to be implemented under a joint collaboration, with detailed planning and feasibility studies currently underway. It underscores India's commitment to strengthening ties with Bhutan through enhanced transportation infrastructure, fostering deeper economic integration and people-to-people connectivity.

The cross-border rail link is poised to promote sustainable development by reducing travel time and transportation costs for both passengers and cargo. It aligns with India's broader vision of regional connectivity and aligns with Bhutan's developmental goals.

The establishment of this rail link reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of rail transportation to bolster socio-economic growth and regional stability. As preparations advance, stakeholders are focusing on ensuring the project's seamless execution and long-term benefits for both India and Bhutan.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..