India to Construct First Cross-Border Rail Links with Bhutan at ₹4,033 Crore Cost.

India recently unveiled plans to build its first cross-border railway links with Bhutan, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between the two Himalayan neighbours. The projects, valued at ₹4,033 crore, will connect Gelephu and Samtse in Bhutan with Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal, respectively, according to a report by PTI.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed that a total of 89 kilometres of new rail lines will be constructed, with completion targeted within four years. The larger Kokrajhar–Gelephu line will span 69 km, featuring six stations, two major bridges, two viaducts, 29 large bridges, 65 smaller bridges, two goodsheds, one road-over-bridge, and 39 road-under-bridges. Approximately 2.39 km of this railway will run inside Bhutan. This segment is estimated to cost ₹3,456 crore and is expected to be completed within four years.

The Banarhat–Samtse line will cover 20 km with two intermediate stations, costing ₹577 crore, and is slated for completion in three years.

Vaishnaw emphasized the strategic importance of these rail links for Bhutan’s economic integration, noting that most of Bhutan’s exports and imports currently pass through Indian ports. “Samste and Gelephu have significant importance in the way the Bhutanese economic growth is being planned,” he said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that the rail projects symbolize the strong bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan. “India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect, and understanding,” he said, adding that the ties are rooted in cultural, civilizational, and developmental bonds.

The agreement to establish the rail links was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year.

Misri further noted that India remains Bhutan’s largest development partner, committing ₹10,000 crore in project-tied assistance, community projects, economic stimulus, and programme grants for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan (2024–29)—a 100% increase over the previous plan.