Bhutan To Get First Railway Link With Assam As India Finalises Detailed Project Report, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between India and Bhutan, Indian Railways has finalised the detailed project report (DPR) for the country’s first ever railway link to the landlocked Himalayan nation.

Reported by PTI, the proposed rail line will connect Gelephu in Bhutan with Kokrajhar in Assam, marking a milestone in regional integration.

A spokesperson for the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) confirmed that the final location survey for the ambitious project has been successfully completed, with approval of the DPR now awaited.

“The proposed railway line will significantly strengthen India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. It will also improve connectivity, providing Bhutan with its first-ever railway link, facilitating seamless transportation,” he stated.

Stretching over 69.04 kilometres, the railway line is estimated to cost Rs 3,500 crore. The project includes the construction of six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu—bringing improved infrastructure and development to the region.

With this rail link, Bhutan will be integrated into India’s extensive railway network, significantly improving transport efficiency for passengers and goods alike.

The move is expected to position the Bodoland Territorial Region as a key trade and transit hub, fostering economic growth and benefiting local businesses and communities.

The NFR spokesperson emphasised its alignment with national policy, stating that the proposed railway line is in keeping with the Prime Minister's vision of ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.

Beyond economic benefits, the railway link is set to boost tourism by offering a more accessible and efficient mode of transport for visitors travelling between India and Bhutan.