India-Bhutan railway link by 2026: Rs 10 Bn project

The Government of India's significant allocation of Rs 120 billion for the extensive expansion and modernisation of railway infrastructure in the northeastern region will propel forward the eagerly awaited Bhutan-India railway link, connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan. This fully funded project, estimated at Rs 10 billion, is set to cover a distance of 57.5 kilometres and is projected to be completed by 2026, as reported by Bhutan Live.India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently indicated ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding this transformative railway connection. He emphasised the potential for this railway link to enhance tourism and benefit Assam significantly by promoting both trade and tourism. The project holds the promise of facilitating goods export, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bhutan.The inception of the Gelephu-Kokrajhar rail link construction is expected to pave the way for additional railway projects in the southern and eastern regions of both nations. These projects could encompass areas like Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrup Jongkhar, further enhancing connectivity and cooperation between Bhutan and India.The commitment to this transformative vision was formalised in 2005 when Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding, expressing their shared aspiration to establish a railway network connecting bordering towns of the two nations. As this historic Bhutan-India railway link progresses, it represents a new era of connectivity and collaboration on the horizon.