A Landmark Step In Connectivity

Traveling from India to Bhutan by train will soon be a reality as the Indian Railways has officially approved the long awaited cross border railway project. This historic initiative is being seen as a milestone that will change how people move between the two countries. It is not just about trains and tracks but about deepening relations, making travel easier, and creating stronger regional connections.

Project Investment And Railway Lines

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the project involves an investment of ₹4,033 crore for the construction of 89 kilometres of railway lines. The first route will stretch from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan covering 69 kilometres with six stations, bridges, and viaducts along the way. The second route will connect Banarhat in West Bengal to Samtse in Bhutan over 20 kilometres. Both Gelephu and Samtse are crucial locations for Bhutan’s future development, with Gelephu being shaped into a mindfulness city and Samtse emerging as an industrial hub.

Importance For Bhutan’s Growth

India has always been Bhutan’s largest trading partner and most of Bhutan’s exports and imports pass through Indian ports. With this new railway project, connectivity will improve dramatically, helping Bhutan strengthen its access to global markets. Vaishnaw highlighted that seamless transport is essential for Bhutan’s economic development and this rail link will unlock new opportunities for industries, businesses, and communities across the border.

Tourism And Cultural Exchange

Beyond trade and economics, the India Bhutan railway project will also make tourism far more convenient. Travellers from both countries will be able to move quickly and comfortably, experiencing each other’s culture and heritage. Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and spiritual centres will become more accessible to Indian tourists while Indian cities will be easier for Bhutanese travellers to reach for education, trade, and leisure. This cultural exchange will deepen the centuries old bond that India and Bhutan share.

Timeline And Future Benefits

The agreement for the railway links was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year and the project has now moved into the implementation phase. Once complete, it will bring significant benefits in terms of faster transport, economic growth, tourism development, and stronger regional cooperation. For both nations, this marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity and progress.

The India Bhutan railway project is more than a piece of infrastructure. It is a bridge of friendship, trade, and opportunity that promises to reshape the relationship between the two neighbours in the years to come.

 

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