The Union Cabinet has approved a 17.4-km railway line from Kokrajhar to Gelephu, creating the first rail link between India and Bhutan. The project is expected to improve connectivity to the India-Bhutan border, strengthen trade and tourism, and enhance access to the strategically important India-China-Bhutan tri-junction region.
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 17.4-kilometre railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan, marking the first-ever rail link between the two neighbouring countries. The strategic cross-border project is expected to improve regional connectivity, strengthen economic cooperation, and support trade and tourism while enhancing access to the India-Bhutan border region.
The railway line will originate from Kokrajhar railway station in Assam and extend to Gelephu, a key commercial centre in southern Bhutan. The project is estimated to cost around ₹3,500 crore and will include the construction of new railway stations, bridges, and other supporting infrastructure required for cross-border rail operations. Once completed, it will provide Bhutan with its first direct railway connectivity to the Indian rail network.
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The new rail corridor is expected to facilitate the movement of passengers and freight, reducing transportation costs and improving logistics between the two countries. Officials believe the project will strengthen bilateral trade by providing faster access to Indian markets while supporting Bhutan's economic development through improved connectivity. It is also expected to promote tourism by making travel between the two countries more convenient.
Beyond its economic significance, the railway line carries considerable strategic importance. Improved connectivity to the India-Bhutan border is expected to strengthen infrastructure in the eastern Himalayan region, which lies close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction. Enhanced transport infrastructure will improve the movement of people, goods, and essential supplies while supporting regional development in border areas.
The project also complements broader efforts to improve connectivity under India's Act East Policy and neighbourhood development initiatives. Better transport links are expected to create new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchanges while integrating border regions more closely with national and regional economic networks. Local communities in Assam are also expected to benefit through employment generation and improved access to markets and public services.
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The Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway project represents a significant milestone in India-Bhutan relations and regional infrastructure development. By establishing the first rail connection between the two countries, the initiative is expected to deepen economic cooperation, improve border connectivity, and contribute to long-term regional growth while reinforcing India's strategic presence in the eastern Himalayan region.