India-Bhutan Railway Project Gains Momentum with New Appointment
Advancing Railway Connectivity Between India and Bhutan
Representative image.
New Delhi, Oct 30: In a pivotal move to enhance railway connectivity between India and Bhutan, the Central government has designated the Secretary of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Kokrajhar as the competent authority for the Kokrajhar-Gelephu New Railway Line Project in Assam.
A notification from the Ministry of Railways, referencing clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, confirms that the BTC Secretary is empowered to oversee the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this special railway initiative.
This notification encompasses the districts of Kokrajhar and Chirang, including the tehsils and circles of Kokrajhar, Sidli, and Bengtol.
This appointment signifies a crucial administrative advancement towards the realization of the proposed 69.05-km railway line that will link Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan. This project is anticipated to establish Bhutan's inaugural railway connection to India, thereby unlocking new avenues for cross-border trade, tourism, and regional economic collaboration.
Indian Railways has finalized the detailed project report (DPR) for this railway line, which is projected to cost approximately Rs 3,500 crore. The initiative includes the construction of six stations at Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu.
The infrastructure plan features two major bridges, 29 significant bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road overbridge, 39 road underbridges, and two viaducts. These structures are designed to enhance railway operations across the diverse terrain of the region and bolster connectivity between Assam and southern Bhutan.
In addition to its transportation advantages, this project holds substantial strategic and economic importance for the Northeast. By linking Kokrajhar with Gelephu, the railway line is expected to improve access to Bhutanese markets, promote tourism, and facilitate the movement of goods and passengers across the border.
For the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), this railway connection could present new opportunities for local businesses, traders, tourism operators, and service providers. Enhanced rail connectivity may also foster the development of logistics facilities and related economic infrastructure, contingent upon the project's execution and necessary investments.