69.04 km Railway Line to Link Assam’s Kokrajhar with Bhutan’s Gelephu: NFR CPRO.

Indian Railways is advancing the government's 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighborhood First Policy' by launching new railway projects to strengthen connectivity with neighboring countries. As part of this initiative, a 69.04 km railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan has been proposed to enhance cross-border connectivity and bilateral ties.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project on February 25 at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati.

According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, the project is estimated to cost ₹3,500 crore and will include six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu. The plan also features two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge, 39 Road Under Bridges, and two viaducts. The Final Location Survey (FLS) has been completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted for approval.

The railway line is expected to bolster India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges while also marking Bhutan’s first-ever railway link. Additionally, the project is set to position Bodoland as a trade and transit hub, benefiting local businesses and communities, and driving long-term economic growth in the region.

ET