India-Bhutan railway link by 2026: Rs 10 Bn project
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

India-Bhutan railway link by 2026: Rs 10 Bn project

The Government of India's significant allocation of Rs 120 billion for the extensive expansion and modernisation of railway infrastructure in the northeastern region will propel forward the eagerly awaited Bhutan-India railway link, connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan. This fully funded project, estimated at Rs 10 billion, is set to cover a distance of 57.5 kilometres and is projected to be completed by 2026, as reported by Bhutan Live.

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently indicated ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding this transformative railway connection. He emphasised the potential for this railway link to enhance tourism and benefit Assam significantly by promoting both trade and tourism. The project holds the promise of facilitating goods export, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bhutan.

The inception of the Gelephu-Kokrajhar rail link construction is expected to pave the way for additional railway projects in the southern and eastern regions of both nations. These projects could encompass areas like Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrup Jongkhar, further enhancing connectivity and cooperation between Bhutan and India.

The commitment to this transformative vision was formalised in 2005 when Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding, expressing their shared aspiration to establish a railway network connecting bordering towns of the two nations. As this historic Bhutan-India railway link progresses, it represents a new era of connectivity and collaboration on the horizon.

The Government of India's significant allocation of Rs 120 billion for the extensive expansion and modernisation of railway infrastructure in the northeastern region will propel forward the eagerly awaited Bhutan-India railway link, connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan. This fully funded project, estimated at Rs 10 billion, is set to cover a distance of 57.5 kilometres and is projected to be completed by 2026, as reported by Bhutan Live.India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently indicated ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding this transformative railway connection. He emphasised the potential for this railway link to enhance tourism and benefit Assam significantly by promoting both trade and tourism. The project holds the promise of facilitating goods export, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bhutan.The inception of the Gelephu-Kokrajhar rail link construction is expected to pave the way for additional railway projects in the southern and eastern regions of both nations. These projects could encompass areas like Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrup Jongkhar, further enhancing connectivity and cooperation between Bhutan and India.The commitment to this transformative vision was formalised in 2005 when Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding, expressing their shared aspiration to establish a railway network connecting bordering towns of the two nations. As this historic Bhutan-India railway link progresses, it represents a new era of connectivity and collaboration on the horizon.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Apollo Green Energy targets Rs 100 billion in renewables

Apollo Green Energy Limited (AGEL), a subsidiary of Apollo International Group, is set to grow its renewable energy portfolio to Rs 100 billion by 2025, with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) to fuel this expansion. AGEL currently holds an order book of Rs 35 billion and manages Rs 25 billion in solar projects across several states. Operating in eight states, AGEL’s portfolio includes 400 MW of solar power installations and a Rs 7 billion Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) project aimed at reducing emissions in power generation. These projects support India’s ambitious target of reac..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line Phase II deadline moved to March 2025

The completion date for the Orange Line's Phase II extension, stretching from Ruby to Sector V, has been shifted to March 2025. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL), the agency overseeing the project, initially aimed for a December 2024 deadline but cited a delay in bridging an 800-meter viaduct gap at Chingrighata as the reason for the revised schedule. Work to bridge an additional 125-meter gap at Metropolitan is ongoing. Despite land challenges at locations such as Tagore Park, Chingrighata, and Nicco Park, the corridor received safety approval from the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) for opera..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Solar efficiency, cost cuts vital for energy transition: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasised the global focus on advancing solar technology to achieve significant cost reductions and efficiency gains during a conference on clean energy transition. As President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he remarked, “The world is united in the energy transition, harnessing global efforts.” Joshi highlighted the need for more efficient solar technology, stating, “Traditional solar panels typically convert only 15-20% of sunlight to electricity, but innovations like bifacial panels and solar paint are increasin..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000