The Indian government has accelerated the process of connecting Bhutan with a direct railway network. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that work on the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail line is progressing rapidly. The Assam government is providing full cooperation to ensure land availability for this historic project. This initiative aims to link Bhutan with India’s vast 1.50 lakh km railway network, improving trade and tourism for both nations.
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Project Details and Costs
Two major railway links are being developed to connect India and Bhutan. The entire cost of these projects is being funded by the Government of India. The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line has been declared a ‘Special Railway Project’ to speed up approvals and construction.
| Route Name | Total Length | Estimated Cost | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kokrajhar (Assam) – Gelephu (Bhutan) | 69 km | ₹3,456 Crore | Work in progress, completion expected in 3 years. |
| Banarhat (West Bengal) – Samtse (Bhutan) | 20 km | ₹577 Crore | Land acquisition issues in tea gardens currently delaying work. |
Safety and Modern Upgrades
The new railway lines will be fully electrified to support modern trains like Vande Bharat. Since these tracks pass through forest areas, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will install AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems. These cameras will help detect elephant movement near the tracks to prevent accidents. The Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring this project as Gelephu is being developed as a ‘Mindfulness City’ by the Bhutan government.