India-Bhutan Rail Connections
India announced its first-ever rail connections with Bhutan, entailing an investment of ₹4,033 crore over the next three years.
Project Details
- Rail Links: Two links: Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse.
- Locations: Kokrajhar is in Assam, and Banarhat is in West Bengal.
- Cities Connected: Gelephu (planned as a mindfulness city) and Samtse (an industrial city).
- Railway Network: 89 kilometers of railway network will be created.
- Purpose: These projects are priority links for enhancing cargo and passenger movement.
Additional Connectivity Efforts
- Previous collaborations between India and Bhutan have included road and digital connectivity, integrated check-posts, and trade routes.
- An integrated check post was inaugurated at Darranga in Assam in November 2024.
- The development of the Jogighopha Inland Waterways Transport Terminal is expected to benefit Bhutan.
India's Support for Bhutan
India is Bhutan’s largest provider of developmental assistance, playing a significant role in infrastructure and economic modernization.
- 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029): India has committed ₹10,000 crore, doubling the support from the 12th plan.
- Assistance covers project-wide aid, high-impact community development projects, economic stimulus programs, and grants.
New Trains in Bihar
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated new rail services in Bihar, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing infrastructure connectivity and passenger services.
- Bihar now operates 26 out of the 30 Amrit Bharat Express services running countrywide.