India, Bhutan to establish two rail links to boost connectivity and trade

India and Bhutan have agreed to establish two cross-border rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse. Giving details about the rail project with Bhutan, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that this project is connecting two very important cities of Bhutan, namely Gelephu and Samtse. He said, these two projects will take off from the Indian Railway network at Kokrajhar and Banarhat. Vaishnaw said that around 90 90-kilometre rail route will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,33 crore. The Union Minister emphasised that it is very important to have very good seamless rail connectivity for the Bhutanese economy to grow.

Watch: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "...This 20-kilometer project will include two stations, one major bridge, 24 minor bridges, one flyover, and 37 underpasses. The estimated cost is about ₹577 crore, and it is expected to be completed in approximately three years.… pic.twitter.com/n5g2j2caeF

— IANS (@ians_india) September 29, 2025

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that this will be the first set of rail connectivity projects with Bhutan by India. He said the Memorandum of Understanding for this connectivity was actually signed last year during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhutan. Misri said that India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding. He said, This is a relationship that is rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, extensive people-to-people relations, and our shared developmental and security interests. He said India is the top trading partner of Bhutan.

VIDEO | Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "The two governments have agreed to establish two cross-border rail links between Banarhat and Samtse and Kokrajhar and Gelephu. This will be the first set of rail connectivity projects with Bhutan. The memorandum of… pic.twitter.com/zp0wfiB3x5

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 29, 2025

Officials stressed that these projects, covering the 700 km long India-Bhutan border, will enhance Bhutan's access to international trade routes through Indian ports. The new lines are seen as part of India's commitment to support Bhutan's economic centres and deepen bilateral ties.