Guwahati: Bhutan is on track to receive its first railway connection as Indian Railways has finalized the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 69.04 km railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) announced on Saturday that the final location survey has been completed, and the DPR is awaiting approval.
The ambitious project, estimated at Rs. 3,500 crore, includes the construction of six new stations: Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu.
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It also features extensive infrastructure, including two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road over-bridge, 39 road under-bridges, and two 11-meter-long viaducts.
NFR’s spokesperson highlighted the strategic significance of the railway line, stating, “This initiative will strengthen India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. It will also provide Bhutan with its first railway link, facilitating seamless transportation and connectivity.”
Additionally, the railway is set to transform the Bodoland Territorial Region into a major trade and transit hub, fostering economic growth and benefiting local communities.
The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighbourhood First Policy,’ underscoring India’s commitment to regional connectivity and collaboration.
