India will construct its initial cross-border train as part of a $454 million venture that will link Kokrajhar to Gelephu and Samtse to Banarhat to improve business, travel, and regional development that is environmentally friendly.

India launches first cross-border railway with Bhutan
Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (waving) outside a tunnel completed as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project on Sept 20.
PHOTO: REUTERS

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

India and Bhutan cement regional cooperation

India made two giant railway announcements that represent intensified collaboration with Bhutan. The 69-kilometer Kokrajhar–Gelephu line costing $390 million will reduce freight and passenger travel time, capable of moving goods from days to hours.

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A second 20-km-long stretch will connect Samtse to Banarhat costing $69 million. This stretch will bring Bhutan’s industrial hub into India’s market and give new opportunities to indigenous firms as well as foreign investors.

India invests in Bhutan’s economic development

Authorities emphasized that Bhutan, which has less than 800,000 citizens, needs connectivity to develop. Gelephu economic zone will be a tourism and investment hub as per vision, and connectivity through railways will make it a plausible vision.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that it is a long-term commitment of India to assist Bhutan in its modernization efforts. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw further stated that connectivity will be useful to day-to-day life, lower costs, and bring foreign investment.

Source: www.straitstimes.com

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Which is India’s initial cross-border train to Bhutan?

India is building two of its electric railway lines: Samtse–Banarhat and Kokrajhar–Gelephu. These projects will enhance trade, tourism, as well as Bhutan’s regional economic integration within South Asia.

What about the cost of the Bhutan railways to be paid by India?

The cost of investment is $454 million, of which $390 million will go to the Kokrajhar–Gelephu section and $69 million to the Samtse–Banarhat line.

What is India’s benefit from Bhutan’s hydropower project?

It shortens transport periods, assists in supporting the Gelephu economic zone, and reinforces Bhutan’s engagement in South and Southeast Asian markets. Further information is provided on official sources.

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