India focuses on rail connectivity with Bhutan

Due to political uncertainties and various other reasons, railway connectivity projects between India and Myanmar, as well as India and Bangladesh, have been delayed. As a result, India is now focusing on establishing a new railway link with another neighboring country, Bhutan. This proposed railway project, estimated to cost ₹3,500 crore, will cover a distance of 69 kilometers and connect Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan.

The project includes the development of six new stations: Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Santipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu (in Bhutan). Additionally, the infrastructure plan features two critical bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road overbridge, 39 road underbridges, and two viaducts of 11 meters in length. According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarters in Guwahati, all surveys for the project have been completed, and necessary documents have been submitted for further approvals and implementation.

The proposed railway line is expected to significantly strengthen India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations. It will also improve connectivity and provide Bhutan with its first-ever railway link. Furthermore, this railway route will position the Bodoland region of Assam as an important trade and transportation hub.

Notably, in June 2024, India and Bangladesh had initiated efforts to enhance bilateral and commercial relations through new railway connectivity. The two countries aimed to improve transportation networks, building upon a trade agreement signed in 1980. If implemented, the railway link through Bangladesh would have shortened travel distances between Agartala and Kolkata, benefiting several areas in Northeast India.

Sabyasachi Dey, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, mentioned that such a railway connection would have further improved ties between India and Bangladesh, boosting both tourism and trade. Several railway routes were considered for this initiative, including Balurghat to Mendipathar in Meghalaya, a line through Bamanhat in Bangladesh to Assam, and routes connecting Belonia in Tripura to Chittagong, Forbesganj in Bihar to Lakshmipur in Bangladesh, and Agartala to Kolkata via Darshana and Jessore. However, these plans were not realized.

Despite the setbacks with Myanmar and Bangladesh, both India and Bhutan are enthusiastic about the new railway connection, which is expected to bring significant economic and strategic benefits to both nations.