Indian Railways prepares DPR for 69.04 km railway line from Kokrajhar, Assam to Gelephu, Bhutan. The ₹3,500 crore project is expected to boost trade and tourism.
India Bhutan Train: A major update has emerged regarding the much-anticipated rail link between India and Bhutan. Indian Railways has prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for laying a railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan. This information was provided by a spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Saturday. The construction of this railway line will boost trade, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries.
69.04 km long railway line
- The railway line will be 69.04 kilometers long, connecting Kokrajhar railway station in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.
- The estimated cost of the project is ₹3,500 crore.
- According to the railway spokesperson, the final location survey has already been completed, and now the approval of the DPR is awaited.
Development of six stations
This railway project will involve the development of six new stations, which are:
Balajan
Garubhasa
Runikhata
Santipur
Dadgiri
Gelephu (Bhutan)
Rail link to boost India-Bhutan relations
- This railway line will play a crucial role in boosting trade and tourism between India and Bhutan.
- Bhutan will get its first-ever railway link, strengthening its transportation infrastructure.
- It will also open new avenues for economic and tourism opportunities for Assam, India.
- The Bhutanese government is also planning to open more centers to promote tourism.
Agreement signed in 2023
- Discussions regarding the railway link between India and Bhutan had been ongoing since 2018.
- An official agreement on this project was reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan in 2023.
Under this plan, two railway links are proposed:
- Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line
- Banarhat-Samtse railway line
India Government to undertake construction
The construction of the 69.04-kilometer-long Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line will be undertaken by the Government of India.
The North Eastern Frontier (NFR) Railway will be responsible for train operations on this route.
What will the railway line infrastructure include?
This project will involve extensive infrastructure development, including:
2 major bridges
29 major bridges
65 minor bridges
1 road over-bridge
39 road under-bridges
Construction of two 11-meter-long bridges
Project aligned with 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First' policy
- This railway project is being developed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
- It will strengthen connectivity and cooperation between India and Bhutan, providing both countries with economic and strategic benefits.
