India and Bhutan have announced major rail connectivity projects worth ₹4,033 crore, which will provide Bhutan access to India’s 150,000-km railway network, a senior minister said. The plan includes two cross-border rail links: one between Assam’s Kokrajhar and Gelephu, and another between Samtse (Bhutan) and Banarhat (West Bengal). 

These links involve roughly 89 km of rail-track, bridging previously unconnected regions. Bhutan, which has had no rail infrastructure until now, will for the first time be integrated into one of the world’s largest rail networks. 

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri jointly announced the initiative, calling it a game-changer for regional trade, tourism, and “people-to-people” ties. It also reflects New Delhi’s push under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, aimed at stronger connectivity and cooperation with neighbouring countries. 

While exact timelines for construction have not yet been detailed, officials expect the 89-km rail links to significantly lower travel time, improve logistics and open Bhutan to economic opportunities.