New Railway Line between Assam and Bhutan: DPR Submitted

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The final location survey on the proposed Kokrajhar to Gelephu railway line, linking Assam and Bhutan, has been successfully completed, and the detailed project report (DPR) has been submitted for further approval, said an official of the NF Railways.

"Indian Railways is actively advancing towards the Prime Minister's vision of the 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy' by undertaking several new railway projects to enhance connectivity with neighbouring countries. In line with this vision, a new railway line from Kokrajhar to Gelephu, linking Assam with Bhutan, has been proposed to improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties," a statement from the CPRO NFR said.

Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati on February 25, 2025.

The proposed 69.04 km railway line will connect Kokrajhar station in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan at an estimated cost of Rs. 3,500 crores. The project includes the development of six new stations, viz., Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu. Additionally, the infrastructure plan features 02 important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, 01 road over bridge, 39 road under bridges, and 02 viaducts of 11-meter length. The Final Location Survey (FLS) has been successfully completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted for further approval and necessary directives.

The proposed 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. Additionally, the railway line will position Bodoland 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, the statement said.

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