On 29 September 2025, India and Bhutan agreed to establish their first-ever cross-border railway projects, with a total investment of ₹4,033 crore, fully funded by India.
The projects include the 69 km Kokrajhar–Gelephu line costing ₹3,456 crore and the 20 km Banarhat–Samtse line costing ₹577 crore. The rail links will connect Bhutanese cities Gelephu and Samtse to India’s railway network at Kokrajhar (Assam) and Banarhat (West Bengal).
The initiative follows an MoU signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year. Officials emphasized that the projects reflect the deep trust, cultural ties, and developmental partnership between India and Bhutan, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner and key contributor to its modernization.
