India has announced plans to construct two cross-border railway links with Bhutan, marking the first such projects between the two nations. The initiative is expected to boost connectivity, trade, and bilateral ties with the Himalayan kingdom.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said a total of 89 kilometres of new rail lines will be laid under the plan, with work scheduled for completion within four years. The 69-km Kokrajhar–Gelephu line will include six stations, two major bridges, two viaducts, 29 other large bridges, 65 smaller bridges, two goodsheds, one road-over-bridge and 39 road-under-bridges. About 2.39 km of this route will pass through Bhutan. The project, estimated at ₹3,456 crore, is expected to be completed in four years. The Banarhat–Samtse line will be 20 km long with two intermediate stations. It will cost ₹577 crore and is scheduled for completion in three years.
Vaishnaw highlighted the economic significance of these projects, noting that most of Bhutan’s exports and imports move through Indian ports. “Samste and Gelephu have significant importance in the way the Bhutanese economic growth is being planned,” he said.
Misri also underlined India’s role as the largest provider of development assistance. For Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–29), India has committed ₹10,000 crore in project-tied assistance, community projects, an economic stimulus programme, and a programme grant. “This quantum constitutes a 100 per cent increase over the 12th five-year plan figures,” he added.