India-Bhutan to be connected by train soon
India's allotment of Rs 120 billion for the extensive expansion and modernization of railway infrastructure in the northeastern region of the country will boost the eagerly awaited first-ever Bhutan-India railway link, Bhutan Live reported on Saturday.
The Bhutan-based media outlet reported the fully funded Indian government's estimated Rs 10 billion project of 57.5-kilometre railway line will connect Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan. The project's anticipated completion date is set for 2026.
Just a month ago, India's External Affairs Minister, S.
Jaishankar, hinted at the ongoing discussions between India and Bhutan regarding this transformative railway connection. Speaking to Indian media, he stated, «We are currently in negotiations for a railway link between Bhutan and Assam.
Bhutan is keen to open more avenues for tourism, and this endeavour promises to benefit Assam significantly. The proposed railway link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar, situated on the Assam border, could be a game-changer, promoting both trade and tourism.»
The railway project can act as a breakthrough in terms of facilitating the export of goods, enabling cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The project gained momentum during the Bhutanese PM's first visit to India in 2018.
