From Kokrajhar to Gelephu: A New Era of Cross-Border Rail.

Indian Railways is strengthening regional connectivity under the government's 'Act East' and 'Neighborhood First' policies by launching new railway projects with neighboring countries. A key initiative is the proposed 69.04 km railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan, aimed at enhancing cross-border trade, tourism, and bilateral ties.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project on February 25 at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati.

According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, the ₹3,500 crore project includes six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu. It will feature two major bridges, 29 large and 65 small bridges, one Road Over Bridge, 39 Road Under Bridges, and two viaducts. The Final Location Survey (FLS) is complete, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted for approval.

This railway link, Bhutan’s first-ever, is expected to boost economic growth by positioning Bodoland as a trade and transit hub while fostering stronger India-Bhutan relations.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.