India and Bhutan to Build First Cross-Border Railway Links
In a landmark move to strengthen bilateral ties and boost trade, India and Bhutan have announced plans to construct their first-ever cross-border railway links. The ambitious project, estimated to cost over ₹4,000 crore (approximately $454 million), aims to connect the two nations through two key routes, promising enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities.
Project Details and Routes
The railway project will involve two distinct lines, connecting strategic locations in both countries. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri jointly unveiled the project's details, emphasizing its importance for regional development.
- Kokrajhar (Assam, India) to Gelephu (Bhutan): A 69-kilometer line estimated to cost ₹3,456 crore ($390 million). This route will feature six stations and connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan's Sarpang region.
- Banarhat (West Bengal, India) to Samtse (Bhutan): A 20-kilometer line valued at approximately ₹577 crore. Connecting West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district with Bhutan’s Samtse region, this line will have two stations and will be vital in supporting Samtse’s development as an industrial hub.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The new railway links are expected to significantly enhance Bhutan’s access to India’s extensive 150,000 km railway network, creating a "significant advantage of the network effect." The project holds strategic importance, with Gelephu being developed as a “Mindfulness City” and Samtse as a key industrial town, aiming to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth.
"As most of the EXIM trade of Bhutan is done through Indian ports, therefore, it becomes very important to have a good seamless rail connectivity for the Bhutanese economy to grow, and for the people to have better ways of access to the global network," - Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's Minister of Railways.
Project Timeline and Funding
Construction of the Kokrajhar-Gelephu line is projected to take four years, while the Banarhat-Samtse line is expected to be completed in three years. The segment of the project falling on the Indian side will be funded by the Railway Ministry, while the line on the Bhutanese side will be funded under India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. India has committed ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan, demonstrating its commitment to the Himalayan kingdom’s development.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations
The cross-border railway project symbolizes the strong relationship between India and Bhutan, rooted in cultural ties, mutual respect, and shared developmental and security interests. The initiative is expected to boost bilateral trade, ease cross-border movement of people and goods, and further solidify India’s role as Bhutan’s key development partner.
