New Delhi/Guwahati, Sep 29 (NationPress) Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday the launch of new railway initiatives intended to connect India and Bhutan, aiming to further enhance connectivity and trade.

During a media interaction in New Delhi, the Union Minister emphasized the mutual commitment of both nations to bolster regional connectivity, sustainability, and economic collaboration.

This announcement elaborates on critical cross-border railway initiatives poised to transform bilateral relationships.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, present at the Union Railway Minister's media briefing, jointly outlined the vision, implementation strategy, and significance of these forthcoming projects.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, stated that two main links have been earmarked under this initiative—the 69-km Kokrajhar–Gelephu line, connecting Assam with Bhutan's Gelephu, and the 20 km Banarhat–Samtse line, linking West Bengal with Bhutan.

He noted that these projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,033 crore, will significantly enhance trade, tourism, and exchanges among people.

Samtse and Gelephu are vital hubs for exports and imports in Bhutan and cater to the 700-km-long India-Bhutan border.

Gelephu is being developed as a mindfulness city, while Samtse is being established as an industrial town by the Bhutanese government.

The CPRO mentioned that to speed up implementation, the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line has been designated as a special railway project, facilitating expedited clearances and land acquisition.

Financially, the Ministry of Railways will manage investments for the Indian segment, while the Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs, will support the Bhutanese section as part of Bhutan's 13th five-year plan, he added.

This model guarantees that the majority of the infrastructure will be located on the Indian side while fully supporting Bhutan's development needs.

India remains Bhutan's primary trading ally, and these railway projects will further solidify economic connections while fostering balanced regional development.

CPRO Sharma stated that Bhutan will capitalize on the extensive Indian Railways network for seamless connectivity with Indian ports, facilitating efficient export and import operations, thereby enhancing trade connectivity and economic growth.

Environmental considerations are being incorporated during the planning phase to guarantee minimal ecological disruption in the Himalayan foothills.

Moreover, coaches for the new railway lines will be manufactured in India, reflecting the commitment to 'Make in India' and reinforcing India's role as Bhutan's closest partner in infrastructure development, the official added.

These proposed railway initiatives transcend mere physical connectivity, embodying the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, in alignment with India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.

Once operational, these lines will improve accessibility, promote balanced regional growth, create job opportunities, and mark a new chapter in India-Bhutan cooperation, stated the NFR CPRO.