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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘India-Bhutan Railway Connectivity: Boosting Trade, Ties, and Regional Growth’ : 30 September

Daily News Analysis ‘India-Bhutan Railway Connectivity: Boosting Trade, Ties, and Regional Growth’ : 30 September

Table of Content

Project Overview:

  • Two cross-border rail links announced:
    • Kokrajhar (Assam) – Gelephu (Bhutan): 69 km, ₹3,456 crore cost.
    • Banarhat (West Bengal) – Samtse (Bhutan): 20 km, ₹577 crore cost.
  • MoU signed between the Railway Board (India) and Bhutan’s Foreign Ministry.

Strategic & Economic Significance:

  • Trade & Connectivity:
    • India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner; most EXIM trade routed through Indian ports.
    • Rail link to facilitate faster movement of goods like dolomite, ferro-silicon, quartzite, stone chips.
  • Regional Impact:
    • Enhanced economic opportunities and employment for border regions of Assam, West Bengal, and Bhutan.

Why in News?

  • The Centre has announced the first-ever cross-border railway projects between India and Bhutan.