In a historic move, India and Bhutan are set to strengthen their bilateral ties with the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the first-ever railway link connecting Assam’s Kokrajhar to Gelephu in Bhutan. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) announced the milestone on Saturday, marking a significant step toward enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The proposed 69.04 km railway line, estimated to cost ₹3,500 crore, will feature six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu. The infrastructure plan includes two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road over-bridge, 39 road under-bridges, and two viaducts.
“The final location survey has been successfully completed, and the DPR has been submitted for further approval and necessary directives,” said an NFR spokesperson.
This landmark project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighbourhood First Policy,’ aiming to position the Bodoland Territorial Region as a trade and transit hub. The railway link is expected to boost local economies, improve transportation, and foster cultural exchanges between India and Bhutan.
Once operational, the railway line will not only provide Bhutan with its first-ever rail connectivity but also significantly enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties. The project underscores India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and connectivity in South Asia.
