GUWAHATI: The Indian Railways recently finalised the Detailed Project Report (DPR) that seeks to connect Assam’s Kokrajhar with Bhutan’s Gelephu in a bid to enhance connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties between the two regions.
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The project was earlier announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit held in Guwahati on February 25-26. It is a part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’
The proposed 69.04 km railway line, at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations. It will feature six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu.
The project will also include the construction of two major bridges, 29 minor bridges, 65 small bridges, one road overbridge, 39 road underbridges, and two viaducts measuring 11 metres. According to reports, the Final Location Survey (FLS) has already been completed.
Additionally, the project is reportedly set to transform Bodoland’s economy, turning it into a major trade and transit centre.