Bhutan’s GMC

Gelephu, till the other day a typical border check post between India and Bhutan, is today buzzing with activity. The forward-looking Royal Government of Bhutan has taken up a number of developmental programmes for Gelephu, which is soon going to make this border town touching Assam’s Chirang district the most happening place in the entire region. First and foremost, as envisioned by the King of Bhutan, the place is being converted to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a Special Administration Region of the tiny Himalayan kingdom. Bhutan’s GMC is an innovative urban development project integrating economic growth with mindfulness, holistic living, and sustainability. Gelephu Mindfulness City is at the crossroads of major economic regions, including South Asia, ASEAN, and China, which is combined with Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development, rich cultural heritage, and strong governance. These also put Gelephu as a global leader in mindful and sustainable urban growth. Gelephu Mindfulness City is also uniquely positioned to both herald and benefit from unprecedented times. As a Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan also offers a profound spiritual heritage that guides the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City of mindful living in the 21st century. Economic growth, strong governance, and spirituality converge to set a new global standard for sustainable and harmonious urban development. With the Mindfulness City rapidly heading towards becoming a reality, Bhutan is embarking upon this undertaking to transform its economy, increase its level of participation in international markets, and generate opportunities for the next generation of Bhutanese. The new Gelephu is also going to be a sanctuary for global businesses and professionals who seek to combine sustainability, spiritual wellbeing, and commercial success. The project is also based on the philosophy of “Building with Nature” so that related structures are integrated with their pristine surroundings. Developed in phases, each accompanied by increasingly advanced infrastructure and institutional development, one major key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project is the new Gelephu International Airport, specially designed to enhance Bhutan’s connectivity and promote sustainable growth. The airport is scheduled to become operational by 2029, and will become a major gateway for international travelers, supporting the growth of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Besides expanding connectivity – both logistical and digital, the new airport will also contribute towards up-skilling or re-skilling a sizable number of young Bhutanese professionals. Located on the international boundary which Assam’s Chirang district shares with Bhutan, the Mindfulness City is also being soon connected to the Indian railway network by a 69-km railway line to Kokrajhar. This will not only immensely amplify economic activity in Kokrajhar town, but also change the scenario in several districts – Chirang, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Barpeta and Baksa. The Rs 3,500-crore railway line will have five stations in Assam, these being Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur and Dadgiri, apart from Gelephu. It is for the institutions, communities and organizations in Assam to take note of what is happening in Gelephu, and act.