India Expands Rail Links to Bhutan, Boosting Trade and Connectivity
India has announced a significant expansion of its international rail links, with two new projects set to connect Bhutan's industrial hub of Samtse and the mindfulness city of Gelephu to India's extensive rail network. The total length of these links is approximately 90 kilometers, with a combined investment of around INR 4,033 crore.
The two rail links, the 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu line and the 20-km Banarhat-Samtse line, are expected to reduce the time for goods transportation in Bhutan, much like the improvements seen in Mizoram and Srinagar. The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line is estimated to cost about INR 3,456 crore, while the Banarhat-Samtse line is projected at INR 577 crore.
The planned completion period for these projects is ten years from the start of construction, which is scheduled to begin in November. This timeline aligns with India's broader strategic railway expansion along contested borders and cross-border lines with neighboring countries like Bhutan, integrating Bhutan into India's 70,000-kilometer railway network.
These rail links will not only facilitate quicker goods movement but also benefit people in Bhutan by connecting them to India's extensive rail network. The total investment of INR 4,033 crore underscores India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation with Bhutan.
