In a historic move aimed at deepening strategic and economic cooperation, India has announced plans to connect Bhutan by rail for the first time. The landmark project will link the Bhutanese cities of Gelephu and Samtse with India’s railway network, at a total outlay of Rs 4,033 crore.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the announcement, highlighting the significance of this connectivity for both countries. “The India-Bhutan Railway Project aims to connect two important Bhutanese cities-Gelephu, which is being developed as a mindfulness city, and Samtse, an industrial hub,” said Vaishnaw. These new rail lines will connect to India at Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal, respectively.
The Kokrajhar-Gelephu link will connect Bhutan with Bongaigaon, a major industrial area in India, opening massive logistical and trade benefits. “By constructing approximately 70 km of new track, Bhutan gains access to 1,50,000 km of India’s railway network. This demonstrates the significant advantage of the network effect,” Vaishnaw added.
The total length of the new rail lines is approximately 90 km. Of this, 89 km will be new railway infrastructure constructed specifically for this initiative. The Banarhat-Samtse line, spanning 16 km, will directly link West Bengal to Bhutan’s Samtse region.
India will fully finance the construction of these two railway lines, making this not just an infrastructure project but also a powerful gesture of friendship and trust. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the deep-rooted nature of India-Bhutan ties, stating, “India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding.”