India Invests Rs 4,000 Crore in First-Ever Cross-Border Rail Links with Bhutan to Boost Economic Ties

Sep 30, 2025 10:08 am CST

India has unveiled plans to build two landmark cross-border railway links with Bhutan at a cost exceeding Rs 4,000 crore. These projects will connect the Bhutanese cities of Gelephu and Samtse with Kokrajhar (Assam) and Banarhat (West Bengal) respectively, spanning 89 kilometers of track. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral trade, enhance regional connectivity, and support Bhutan's economic growth by providing improved access to global markets through Indian ports. Completion is expected within four years, representing India's continued commitment as Bhutan's largest development partner.