A groundbreaking 69.04-kilometre cross-border railway project connecting Gelephu in Bhutan to Kokrajhar station in India is set to reshape regional connectivity and boost economic prospects. The ambitious railway link, which forms a core element of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) development blueprint, is attracting attention from both Bhutanese and Indian authorities as they work in tandem to integrate the project into a wider infrastructure and economic strategy.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Officials involved in the GMC project have underscored the railway’s potential as a major enabler for regional growth. “The railway project has been reviewed to support GMC’s infrastructure and logistics plans, ensuring its integration with the city’s trade and economic ecosystem,” an official from the GMC authority explained. With the project expected to drive local employment, stimulate infrastructure development, and bolster investor confidence, stakeholders are optimistic about the medium to long-term economic benefits that the rail link promises to deliver.
Renewed Commitment Amidst Early Challenges
Discussions on the cross-border rail connection began as early as 2017, yet the project encountered delays due to obstacles identified in earlier feasibility studies. Challenges such as settlement encroachments, high land acquisition costs, and the need for extensive infrastructure on the Indian side had previously stalled progress. However, recent commitments from both the Royal Government of Bhutan and Indian counterparts indicate a renewed determination to overcome these hurdles. While the construction phase awaits formal approvals and the signing of bilateral agreements, momentum appears to be building on both sides of the border.
Engineering and Infrastructure Milestones
On the Indian front, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has taken significant steps forward by completing and sharing a Preliminary Engineering cum Traffic Survey Report with Bhutanese officials. In tandem, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) is conducting detailed analyses, including Economic and Financial Internal Rate of Return assessments, to fine-tune the project’s viability. The final survey is reportedly complete, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under government review. The extensive infrastructure plan envisages the construction of five new stations in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, and Dadgari—complemented by a new station in Gelephu, strategically located near the Dry Port and International Airport.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
The railway project is not only expected to revolutionize the transport of goods and passengers between Bhutan and India but also to support sustainable development. MoIT officials emphasized that shifting bulk transportation from road to rail could significantly reduce carbon emissions while laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. With an estimated cost of INR 35 billion, the project includes the construction of 31 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road overbridge, 39 road underbridges, and two viaducts, each stretching 11 metres in length. Although final design adjustments may lead to modifications in the infrastructure and alignment, the current plans indicate a robust investment in connectivity.
Transforming Regional Dynamics
The integration of this first-ever railway link into the GMC project marks a transformative step for regional trade and bilateral relations. By streamlining the flow of goods, construction materials, and passengers, the railway is poised to become a linchpin in enhancing regional economic activity and connectivity. As the project moves closer to receiving the necessary formal approvals, industry observers remain hopeful that this long-awaited infrastructure project will soon enter a new phase, further solidifying the collaborative spirit between Bhutan and India.
In a region ripe for development, this cross-border railway project not only exemplifies strategic planning and international cooperation but also sets the stage for a future defined by enhanced economic opportunities and sustainable growth.
