NEW DELHI: In a major boost to India-Bhutan connectivity, the Indian Railways has designated the proposed 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail line as a Special Railway Project (SRP) — a move aimed at expediting land acquisition and construction for Bhutan’s first-ever railway link.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) issued the notification this week under the Railways Act, 1989. Officials said the project has been prioritized as part of India’s broader Act East policy, given its strategic and economic significance.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024, India and Bhutan agreed to develop two rail corridors:
- Kokrajhar–Gelephu (69 km) – connecting Assam with Bhutan
- Banarhat–Samtse (16 km) – linking West Bengal with Bhutan
These will mark Bhutan’s first-ever rail connectivity, enhancing regional integration and cross-border mobility.
A senior railway official noted, “Projects designated as SRPs are given priority due to their strategic importance and role in national security and socio-economic development. This line will not only improve cross-border infrastructure but also deepen India-Bhutan bilateral ties.”
The Union Budget for FY 2024-25 allocated funds for the preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey and final location survey of the Kokrajhar-Gelephu route. The NFR has since completed both surveys and prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR), estimating the cost at approximately ₹3,500 crore.
Key Features of the Project:
- 6 new railway stations: Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu
- Infrastructure:
- 2 major bridges
- 29 large bridges
- 65 minor bridges
- 1 Road Over Bridge (ROB)
- 39 Road Under Bridges (RUBs)
- 2 viaducts (11 metres each)
The SRP status ensures fast-tracked clearances and funding, enabling timely execution of this strategically vital rail corridor that is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity between India and Bhutan.
