Key Points
69.04 km railway project connecting Assam and Bhutan
Estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore
Six new stations to be developed
Strategic infrastructure enhancing cross-border connectivity
Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project on February 25 at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, said that 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 crore.
"The project includes the development of six new stations, viz., Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri and Gelephu. Additionally, the infrastructure plan features 2 important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge, 39 Road Under Bridges and 2 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," Sharma said.
He further said that 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," Sharma said.