In a landmark move, India and Bhutan have approved their first-ever rail connectivity projects. This development is being seen as a major milestone to boost connectivity and trade between the two countries. The two cleared routes are Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse, opening new possibilities for travel and commerce between the neighbours. Here’s all you need to know.
First-Ever India-Bhutan Railway Line Projects
Promised & delivered – India & Bhutan to establish two cross-border rail links (89 km | ₹4,033 Cr) 🇮🇳🇧🇹
🛤️ Kokrajhar–Gelephu (69 km)
🛤️ Banarhat–Samtse (20 km)✅ This milestone will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen connectivity, and deepen India–Bhutan ties. pic.twitter.com/J5fX60NS9k
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 29, 2025
On Monday, India and Bhutan announced their plans to construct the first-ever cross-border railway links between the two countries, at an estimated cost of ₹4,033 crore. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, announced two cross-border rail links to connect the two countries.
According to Indian officials, by constructing these two railway lines, Bhutan will have access to India’s 150,000 km railway network. This will be a “significant advantage of the network effect.”
The Railway Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that the cross-border rail links will be constructed on the Kokrajhar-Gelephu and the Banarhat-Samtse routes. “Promised & delivered – India & Bhutan to establish two cross-border rail links (89 km | ₹4,033 Cr). This milestone will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen connectivity, and deepen India–Bhutan ties,” the Railway Minister said in the X post.
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All You Need To Know About These New Lines
According to The Financial Express, the two railway lines between India and Bhutan will be 89 km long. The Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line will connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. It will be 69 km long and is expected to be built at an estimated cost of ₹3,456 crore. The stretch will have six stations and cross nearly 100 bridges.
The second route, the Banarhat-Samtse line, is valued at an estimated ₹577 crore. It will connect West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district to Bhutan’s Samtse region. The 20-km line will have two stations and cross 25 bridges on its way. This India-Bhutan railway line is expected to strengthen cross-border trade while also aiding Bhutan’s vision of developing Samtse into an industrial hub.
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Are you excited about travelling to Bhutan by train? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ (representative image)
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