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

11 Sep 2023 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Sep 2025

Gurugram Rapid Metro to shift from DMRC to GMRL control

The Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) has begun the process of transferring Gurugram’s Rapid Metro operations from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL). The decision was taken at HMRTC’s 62nd Board meeting, chaired by chief secretary Anurag Rastogi.Committees have been formed to oversee the transition, covering technical, legal, and operational aspects, with definitive timelines being prepared. Until the transfer is complete, the system will be managed jointly by DMRC and GMRL.The Rapid Metro has shown notable performance impr..

Chandigarh Metro cost climbs to Rs 25,000 crore amid delays

The long-awaited Chandigarh Tricity Metro project has seen its estimated cost balloon to nearly Rs 25,000 crore, following delays in approvals by the Union Territory administration. The cost, which stood at Rs 23,263 crore in February 2025, has risen by Rs 1,737 crore in just seven months, according to officials.The matter was raised during the transport standing committee meeting of the Administrator’s Advisory Council, chaired by AAP state president Vijay Pal. A presentation by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) strongly recommended that the Metro is the most suitable mass r..

Mumbai Metro-3 may open fully by Dussehra

Mumbai is on the verge of a major transport milestone as the 33.5-km Metro-3 Aqua Line from Colaba to Aarey Colony nears full completion. Authorities are aiming to launch the entire corridor by Dussehra, pending final safety clearances.The project, executed in phases, has already brought relief to commuters. The first section between Aarey Colony and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) opened in October 2024, followed by the BKC–Worli stretch in May 2025. The final Worli–Cuffe Parade segment is currently under safety inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). A final review is ..