New Delhi — September 29, 2025
In a historic move to deepen connectivity with its Himalayan neighbour, India has announced the construction of two cross-border railway links to Bhutan. The two new lines – one stretching 69 km and the other 20 km – will originate from Assam and West Bengal, respectively, and will be India’s first direct rail connection with Bhutan.
Key Project Details
- The 69 km route will connect Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.
- The 20 km route will link Banarhat in West Bengal with Samtse in Bhutan.
- The total project cost is estimated at ₹4,033 crore (≈ US $454 million).
- For the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line: about 66.66 km will lie on the Indian side, while 2.39 km will be within Bhutan.
- For the Banarhat–Samtse line: 17.42 km in India, and 2.13 km on Bhutanese soil.
- The Kokrajhar–Gelephu route is planned to be completed over 4 years, while the Banarhat–Samtse line is to be built in 3 years.
- Each alignment will feature modern infrastructure: multiple bridges, underpasses, overpasses, goods sheds, and advanced signaling systems.
- The lines are to be fully electrified and designed to support modern train services (e.g. “Vande Bharat” standard).
Strategic & Local Significance
- Bhutan’s Gelephu is being developed as a “Mindfulness City,” which would benefit from enhanced connectivity for tourism, commerce, and regional integration.
- Samtse, on the other hand, is being geared up as an industrial town in Bhutan, and the rail link is expected to facilitate export and raw material flows.
- India’s portion of the cost will be borne by the Indian Railways, while the Bhutan-side segment will be funded by India as grant assistance via the Ministry of External Affairs under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
- The announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024.
- According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Bhutan is India’s top trading partner, and about 80% of Bhutan’s trade (imports and exports) moves through Indian routes. Strengthened rail connectivity is expected to reduce logistics costs and boost trade.
Local & Ground Perspectives
From the region adjoining Bhutan:
- In Assam’s Kokrajhar district, local officials and traders welcome the project, anticipating smoother movement of goods and people across the border. Many see it as opening a new trade corridor for agricultural and industrial products.
- Communities in northern West Bengal, particularly around Banarhat and nearby Dooars areas, see the Banarhat–Samtse line as a lifeline for economic activity and cross-border cultural exchange.
- Land acquisition and environmental clearances will be delicate, especially in forested, hilly, and ecologically sensitive zones along the Bhutan–India border. Authorities plan detailed surveys and mitigation measures. (As indicated in the press briefing)
- Bhutanese authorities are expected to be closely engaged in alignment, security, and regulatory issues. The portion in Bhutan will be small in length but symbolically significant.
