India-Bhutan Railway Project- A Special Report

 

By

Dr. Somita Chakraborty


Strengthening the ties between India and Bhutan, recently India announced Rail link between the two countries. India and Bhutan always continue high level diplomatic connection. India is Bhutan’s largest development partner. India committed Rs. 10,000/- crores support for the 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan (2024-29). The support covers project-tied assistance, high-impact community development projects, including areas like, energy, power sector etc.

The 89 km. long Railway network is going to link Indian city Kokrajhar to mindfulness city Gelephu and Banarhat of Assam to Bhutan’s industrial city Samtse.

The cost of the project is about Rs. 4,033/- crore. The entire investment is done by India for both Indian side and Bhutan’s side. The Indian side will be funded by the Ministry of Railway and Bhutan side will be borne by the MEA as part of the Governments of India’s assistance for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan.

The project design considers various environmental issues. The design includes sufficient underpasses for elephants, too. The project will bring economic benefits to the people of Bhutan. It will help industrial growth in Bhutan, will boost tourism, increase movement of people and goods. The project will also help Bhutan to increase trade with Bangladesh and Nepal.

For detail

Transcript of Special Briefing on new Railway projects between India and Bhutan (September29, 2025)


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