The portions within Bhutan will also be financed by India through grant assistance provided by the ministry of external affairs

xNew Delhi: India on Monday announced two major railway projects connecting it to its strategically-close neighbour Bhutan, with a total investment of over Rs 4,000 crore and a total distance of 89 km. The projects — fully funded by India — are expected to significantly boost Bhutan’s economy by enhancing its export potential and integrating it more closely with India’s vast railway cargo network.

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the two projects would link Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan, and Banarhat in West Bengal with Samtse in Bhutan. Mr Vaishnaw said the rail corridors would include construction of major and minor bridges, flyovers,

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