India And Bhutan Announce First-Ever Cross-Border Railway Links To Boost Connectivity

At a joint press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Railway Board CEO Sati Kumar announced two historic cross-border railway projects between India and Bhutan. The rail links — Bannerhat–Samse and Kokrajhar–Gelephu — mark the first-ever railway connectivity with Bhutan. Misri underlined the deep-rooted cultural, civilizational, and developmental ties between the two nations, with India doubling its assistance for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Key areas of cooperation include energy, trade, and connectivity, with existing collaborations on hydroelectric projects and a free trade agreement. The MoU for these projects was signed during PM Narendra Modi’s Bhutan visit and will be finalized during the Bhutanese Foreign Secretary’s visit to New Delhi.

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