India-Bhutan to ramp up cross-border rail connectivity: Key developments so far

The two sides also agreed to consider establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan. (Image: @narendramodi/X)

India and Bhutan, on November 6, agreed on the final location survey of the first cross-border rail link between the two countries, further strengthening their bilateral ties with a focus on cross-border connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk had an elaborate discussion on bilateral cooperation between the two nations in New Delhi on November 6 after which a joint statement was issued.

As per the statement, the two sides have agreed on a final location survey for the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.

PM Modi conveyed to Bhutan's Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck India's strong commitment to its ties of friendship with the Himalayan nation. The prime minister also reiterated the government's support for the priority-based socio-economic development of Bhutan.

The two sides also agreed to consider establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan.

"PM Modi and Wangchuck "positively assessed" expanding India-Bhutan partnership including new areas of connectivity in its "broadest form", cross-border trade infrastructure, trade and mutual investments, energy, health, education, space technology, and people-to-people contacts," the statement said.

Also Read | PM Modi conveys to King Wangchuck India's full support to Bhutan's socio-economic development

The Bhutan King began his eight-day visit to India from the Assamese capital of Guwahati on November 3. His high-profile trip to India came amid a renewed push by Bhutan and China for an early settlement of their decades-old boundary dispute.

"In his interaction with His Majesty, the prime minister reaffirmed India's abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of His Majesty," the Modi-Wangchuk joint statement further noted.

Rail connectivity

During the course of the bilateral discussion, India and Bhutan also agreed on nine key points, including undertaking a final location survey of the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu with New Delhi's support.

The two sides also discussed the completion of the preliminary engineering-cum-traffic (PET) survey of the rail link by the Indian Railways.

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Both sides also agreed to designate Assam's Darranga and Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar as immigration checkposts to facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals by land route for expanding connectivity and promoting tourism.

India will consider Bhutan's request for concessional financing in the area of skill development and capacity building under the GyalSung project.

It was also decided to designate Haldibari (in West Bengal) to the Chilahati (in Bangladesh) rail route as an additional trade route for Bhutan's trade with Bangladesh.

Infra Push

As per the joint statement, India will provide bridge financing for the period between the 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans of Bhutan for New Delhi-assisted projects and schemes.

It was also agreed to strengthen trade infrastructure, including suitable upgradation of the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to Integrated Check Post through India's support along with the development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu.

Environmental Conservation

The two sides also agreed to strengthen the collaborative framework in environmental conservation and wildlife preservation as they underscored shared commitment to safeguarding the ecological diversity of the region.

Education

The joint statement further noted that India will allocate additional MBBS seats for Bhutanese students in medical colleges in Assam, in a bid to ensure access to quality medical education and training to Bhutanese nationals. It also added that India will double the outlay under the Ambassador's scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India.

(With agency inputs)