In a major step towards realizing Bhutan’s long-anticipated dream of having its first railway connection, India’s Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has designated the Kokrajhar–Gelephu New Rail Line as a Special Railway Project (SRP) — paving the way for faster land acquisition and the beginning of construction on the historic route.
The 69-kilometre line, which will connect Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in southern Bhutan, has been notified under the Railways Act, 1989, ensuring expedited procedures for project implementation on the Indian side.
A senior official from India’s Ministry of Railways said that the project carries significant strategic and developmental value, enhancing bilateral ties and regional connectivity. “The SRP status allows for faster land acquisition and ensures that the project moves ahead on a fast track,” the official said.
A Milestone in Bhutan–India Relations
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line is one of two proposed rail routes linking Bhutan with India. The other — a 16-kilometre Banarhat–Samtse line — will connect West Bengal to Bhutan’s Samtse district. Together, these projects will give Bhutan its first-ever access to the Indian Railways network.
The two countries formally agreed on the new railway links during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024, a visit that reaffirmed the deep friendship and growing economic cooperation between the neighbours.
Bhutanese officials have welcomed the progress, noting that the Gelephu link will complement Bhutan’s vision of developing Gelephu Mindfulness City, which aims to become a major hub for trade, investment, and tourism.
Fast-Track Implementation Under the Special Railway Project
Under the SRP framework, land acquisition for the Indian section of the route can be completed within 27 months, compared to nearly four years under India’s 2013 Land Acquisition Act. This special status ensures that the project proceeds smoothly and without the usual bureaucratic delays.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, land acquisition on the Indian side will begin shortly, with construction expected to commence once final approvals and funding are completed.
Route and Project Details
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line, estimated to cost around Nu 3,500 crore (₹3,500 crore), will include about 100 bridges and six new stations. Five stations will be located in Assam — Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, and Dadgiri — while Gelephu will host Bhutan’s first railway station.
Kokrajhar is already a key stop on the New Jalpaiguri–New Bongaigaon section of India’s Barauni–Guwahati line, which connects the region to major trade routes.
Strengthening Connectivity and Economic Growth
The new rail link is expected to transform trade and connectivity between Bhutan and India, providing a cost-effective and sustainable transport corridor for goods and travellers. It will also open up new opportunities for tourism, cross-border trade, and economic collaboration, particularly for Bhutan’s southern districts.
Observers see the project as a landmark step in Bhutan’s economic modernization. With the Gelephu–Kokrajhar line, Bhutan will take its first step toward integrating rail connectivity into its national transport network — a move that could reshape logistics and mobility for decades to come.
A Symbol of Friendship and Forward Vision
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway represents more than just an infrastructure project — it stands as a symbol of the deep trust and partnership between Bhutan and India. As work begins, the line is expected to play a transformative role in regional development and bring Bhutan one step closer to its vision of sustainable, inclusive progress.
