Guwahati: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, paid a visit to Assam on Saturday (April 19) to inspect key infrastructure facilities at Jogighopa, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday.
The Bhutanese King visited the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT), which is under construction on the Brahmaputra river, and India’s first ever Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP).
The two major connectivity projects are aimed at boosting trade and regional development.
His Majesty was received by Assam’s Minister for Public Health Engineering and Housing & Urban Affairs, Jayanta Malla Baruah.
During the visit, officials highlighted the significance of these projects, particularly the IWT at Jogighopa, which was inaugurated in February this year.
The terminal is a vital part of India’s infrastructure push in the Northeast and is expected to contribute significantly to improving cross-border logistics and connectivity.
The International Multi-Model Logistics Park (MMLP) is currently in its final stages of construction under the Bharatmala Project.
Constructed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), this park will seamlessly integrate road, rail, air and waterways upon completion.
Spread across 317 acres on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, this project will unlock immense economic potential for Assam by facilitating trade with neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Taking to X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “A very warm welcome to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, to Assam. The Jogighopa MMLP will be a game-changer for the larger Indo-Bhutan region and ensure seamless trade and logistics movement. It will also aid in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.”
“His Majesty’s visit underscores the shared interests and close ties between the State of Assam and Bhutan for a better future for our people,” Sarma said.
“The strategic proximity of Bhutan’s visionary urban development initiative – The Gelephu Mindfulness City, will also undoubtedly contribute to the success of the International Multi-Model Logistics Park,” Baruah said.
The visit took place in the context of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, through which the Government of India has been undertaking several initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties and improve economic connectivity with Bhutan.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the King’s visit to Jogighopa underscores the shared vision of connectivity and economic growth between India and Bhutan.
