India and Bhutan Announce Landmark Railway Connectivity Projects

 

Guwahati, 29th September, 2025: Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, held a special media briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi to announce new cross-border railway connectivity projects between India and Bhutan. Emphasizing the shared vision of deepening regional connectivity, sustainability and economic cooperation, the Minister outlined key initiatives set to transform bilateral relations. Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Vikram Misri, also jointly presented the vision, implementation strategy and significance of the upcoming projects.

According to an official statement by Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, two major links have been finalized: the 69 km Kokrajhar – Gelephu line, connecting Assam with Bhutan’s Gelephu, and the 20 km Banarhat – Samtse line, linking West Bengal with Bhutan. Estimated at Rs. 4,033 crores, these projects will provide a major boost to trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Gelephu, being developed as a mindfulness city, and Samtse, planned as an industrial hub by the Government of Bhutan, are key export-import centers along the 700 km long India–Bhutan border.

To fast-track progress, the Kokrajhar – Gelephu line has been declared a Special Railway Project, allowing speedy clearances and land acquisition. On the financial front, the Ministry of Railways will fund works on the Indian side, while the Government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, will support Bhutan’s portion under its 13th Five-Year Plan. This model ensures maximum infrastructure investment on the Indian side, while extending full assistance to Bhutan’s development needs.

India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and these projects will further reinforce economic ties and balanced regional development. Bhutan will benefit from seamless access to Indian Railways’ vast network, connecting it to Indian ports for efficient exports and imports, thus strengthening trade connectivity and economic growth. Environmental safeguards are being integrated into planning to minimize ecological disruption in the fragile Himalayan foothills. Coaches for the new railway lines will be manufactured in India, reflecting the spirit of Make in India while underscoring India’s role as Bhutan’s closest partner in infrastructure development.

These landmark projects signify more than physical connectivity, embodying the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan. Aligned with India’s Neighborhood First and Act East policies, the new railway lines are expected to enhance accessibility, promote regional growth, create employment opportunities and mark a new chapter in India–Bhutan cooperation.