NEW DELHI: The proposed 69-km Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail line, set to become Bhutan’s first-ever railway link with India, has been designated a Special Railway Project (SRP), enabling faster land acquisition and construction.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) issued the notification this week under the Railways Act, 1989. Officials said the project has been placed on the priority list as part of the government’s Act East policy.
The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s March 2024 visit to Bhutan, during which both countries agreed to build two cross-border rail lines: Kokrajhar–Gelephu (Assam to Bhutan) and Banarhat–Samtse (West Bengal to Bhutan). The 16-km Banarhat–Samtse stretch will also provide Bhutan with direct railway access for the first time.
Senior railway officials said SRP classification is accorded to projects of strategic importance, particularly those that enhance national security and regional connectivity. “This is a strategic project that will improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties. In this year’s budget, funds were allocated for surveys and preparatory works,” an official noted.
The NFR has completed the final location survey and detailed project report, estimating the cost at around ₹3,500 crore. Plans include six new stations — Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri and Gelephu. The corridor will feature two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge and 39 Road Under Bridges. Additionally, two viaducts of 11 metres each will be built to ensure safe train operations across challenging terrain.
