Why in news?
In September 2025 the Union Government declared the proposed Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail line a “special railway project.” The 69‑kilometre line will connect Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan, providing the Himalayan kingdom with its first rail link.
Background
India and Bhutan share close ties based on the 1949 Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship. While road and air links exist, Bhutan lacks a railway network. Discussions on a rail corridor began in 2009 under India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, aimed at enhancing connectivity and regional integration.
Project features
- Route and cost: The broad‑gauge line will start at Kokrajhar on the New Bongaigaon–Guwahati section and run north to Gelephu. The estimated cost is around ₹3,500 crore.
- Stations and infrastructure: Six new stations are planned. The project includes bridges over rivers, road overbridges, tunnels and viaducts to traverse hilly terrain.
- Implementing agency: The Northeast Frontier Railway will execute the project. Surveys and land acquisition will be coordinated with the Assam and Bhutanese governments.
- Strategic importance: The railway will give Bhutan access to Indian seaports and boost connectivity in India’s northeast, supporting trade and defence logistics.
Significance
- Economic growth: Improved transport will boost tourism, agro‑products and handicrafts in Bhutan and stimulate development in Assam’s Bodoland region.
- Regional integration: The project complements the Asian highway network and the Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Myanmar corridor, strengthening India’s Act East policy.
- People‑to‑people ties: Easier travel will enhance cultural exchanges, education and business links between India and Bhutan.
Challenges and considerations
- Environmental sensitivity: Construction must minimise impact on forests, wildlife and rivers; robust environmental clearances and mitigation plans are needed.
- Local consultations: Meaningful engagement with tribal communities is necessary to address land rights, resettlement and livelihoods.
- Timely execution: Past projects in the northeast have faced delays due to terrain and coordination issues. Strong project management is essential.
Way forward
- Complete detailed engineering surveys and finalise financing with Bhutan’s participation.
- Adopt green construction practices and continuous environmental monitoring.
- Train local youth in railway construction and operations to create employment.
- Link the railway to multimodal transport hubs to maximise economic benefits.