New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of the timely completion of India-Bhutan railway project has aimed to enhance the two nations’ strategic,
economic and cultural ties. During his two-day visit to Bhutan, Modi announced a Rs 4,000 crore concessional line of credit for Bhutan’s energy sector.
The two proposed railway links, Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu (Bhutan) and Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samtse (Bhutan), will be the first-ever rail connectivity between India and Bhutan. Fully funded by India at a cost of Rs 4,033 crore, the 89-km projects were cleared by the Union Cabinet in September.
“Connectivity creates opportunity and opportunity creates prosperity,” Modi said at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium, where he addressed thousands gathered to celebrate the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Why these railway links matter
For Bhutan, these railway links will open up access to India’s extensive rail network and facilitate smoother trade and easier transport of goods such as agricultural products, hydropower and construction materials. For India, the projects will enhance strategic outreach in the eastern Himalayas. It will further compliment its Act East Policy and counter China’s growing presence in the region.
The new routes will help Bhutan’s industries access Indian markets and port and also promote regional tourism and border development. The Gelephu rail link, in particular, is expected to boost the **Gelephu Mindfulness City project, a visionary smart city initiative led by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Energy, connectivity at the core of ties
Modi and the Bhutanese king jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project which increases Bhutan’s installed power capacity by 40 per cent.
India also announced the establishment of an immigration checkpoint at Hatisar in Assam’s Chirang district across Gelephu to support trade and travel. Modi also appreciated Bhutan’s carbon-negative status and 100 per cent renewable power generation.
