Archive · 26 Sep 2025
India-Bhutan Rail Link Accelerated With 'Special Project' Status
India and Bhutan are building a railway to connect their countries.
This project is now a 'Special Railway Project', making it easier and faster to get the land needed to build the railway.
This speeds up the process of getting the railway built.
The new railway will run between Assam in India and Gelephu in Bhutan.
The two countries agreed to the railway in March 2024, with two lines being developed.
The railway is expected to have six stations along the nearly 70 km route.
This project is meant to boost trade and make it easier for people to travel between India and Bhutan.
The Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail line has been declared a Special Railway Project (SRP).
SRP status streamlines land acquisition, potentially cutting the process time by half.
The rail line will be approximately 69 km long, crossing Assam and extending into Bhutan.
The project was agreed upon by India and Bhutan in March 2024.
The estimated cost of the new line is about Rs 3,500 crore, with six stations planned.
- Who
- India and Bhutan
- What
- A rail link between India and Bhutan is being fast-tracked.
- When
- Notification published this week.
- Where
- Between Kokrajhar, Assam, and Gelephu, Bhutan.
- Why
- To strengthen cross-border trade and connectivity and implement India's Act East Policy.
- Project Name
- Kokrajhar-Gelephu New Rail Line
- Route Length
- Approximately 69 km
- SRP Status Granted
- Yes
- Estimated Cost
- Rs 3,500 crore
- Stations
- 6 (5 in Assam, 1 in Bhutan)
- Agreement Date
- March 2024