STN: The Ministry of Railways has confirmed two new railway projects that will connect India and Bhutan. These Cross-Border Projects with Bhutan aim to link Assam’s Kokrajhar and West Bengal’s Banarhat with Bhutan’s Gelephu and Samtse. The total investment is estimated at Rs 4,033 crore.
Both projects will be funded by India. The goal is to improve the movement of goods and passengers, expand trade, and create new jobs on both sides.
Details of the Cross-Border Projects with Bhutan
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that construction will begin soon. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line will take four years to complete, while the Banarhat–Samtse line is expected in three years.
Together, these projects will add 89 km of electrified rail track. The tracks will support modern trains built in India, designed for both freight and passenger services.
The Ministry has stated that the designs include environmental safeguards to reduce ecological impact.
Kokrajhar–Gelephu Rail Line
- Length: 69 km
- Cost: Rs 3,456 crore
- Alignment: 66.66 km in India, 2.39 km in Bhutan
Banarhat–Samtse Rail Line
- Length: 20 km
- Cost: Rs 577 crore
- Alignment: 17.42 km in India, 2.13 km in Bhutan
Implementation of the Projects
On the Indian side, the Ministry of Railways will execute both lines as Special Railway Projects. Bhutan will receive financial aid through India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is supporting Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
These steps highlight the growing importance of Cross-Border Projects with Bhutan in strengthening regional connectivity and bilateral relations.
FAQs on Cross-Border Projects with Bhutan
A: They will reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and open up new trade opportunities for Bhutan and India.
A: Indian Railways will manage the Indian portion, while Bhutan will oversee its side with Indian financial and technical support.
A: The lines will create construction jobs, improve passenger mobility, and give local businesses better access to regional markets.
A: Yes. These projects will mark the first direct rail connections between the two countries.
A: Yes. Planners have scheduled both freight and passenger trains to make travel easier for residents and tourists.
A: The Ministry has confirmed that land use and ecological studies were part of the planning. Measures include electrification to cut emissions.
A: Assam and West Bengal will see direct benefits, while other northeastern states will also gain from improved access to Bhutan.
