India and Bhutan are set to strengthen connectivity with the launch of the first-ever rail link projects between the two countries, marking a significant step in their bilateral partnership.
According to official details, two major projects have been cleared: the Kokrajhar-Gelephu new line and the Banarhat-Samtse new line.
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The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line, with an investment of ₹3,456 crore, will connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. Officials noted that the project will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but also create better economic and employment opportunities. Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city” under Bhutan’s plans.
The second project, the Banarhat-Samtse line, will link West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri dis