A new railway line from Assam’s Kokrajhar to Gelephu in Bhutan has been proposed to improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties. The proposed 69.04 km railway line would connect KokraJhar station in Assam to Gelphu, Bhutan at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crores. The project includes the development of six new stations — Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri and GelePhu. The infrastructure plan features two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge (ROB), 39 Road Under Bridges (RUB) and two viaducts of 11-meter length. The railway line will significantly strengthen India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. It will also improve connectivity, providing Bhutan with its first-ever railway link, facilitating seamless transportation. The line would position Bodoland in western Assam as a trade and transit hub, benefiting local businesses and communities. Overall, the Assam-BHutan railway line is set to transform Bodoland’s economy and connectivity, paving the way for long-term growth and development.
