Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the deep cultural and geographical ties between India and Bhutan during an announcement on new infrastructure initiatives in Thimphu. Speaking at the Changlimethang Stadium to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Modi outlined plans for two railway projects that will enhance connectivity between the two nations.
He stated, “Connectivity creates opportunity, and opportunity creates prosperity.” The new railway links between the cities of Gelephu and Samtse to India’s extensive rail network are poised to facilitate trade and travel, marking Bhutan’s first-ever railway access. These projects, which were announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in September, are valued at Rs 4,033 crore and will be fully financed by the Indian government.
The new railway connections will link Bhutan to Bongaigaon, an industrial hub in Assam, as well as to West Bengal, thereby opening fresh avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Modi highlighted that these links will enable Bhutanese farmers and industries to access India’s vast market more easily.
In addition to rail connectivity, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project, a vision of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck aimed at sustainable growth. He announced that India would construct an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to benefit visitors and investors.
Modi also focused on energy cooperation, noting that India and Bhutan are rapidly evolving their partnership in energy and border infrastructure. He recalled that the two countries’ robust hydropower collaboration dates back to the reign of the former King. The recently launched 1,000-MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project is expected to increase Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by 40%, with the nation already generating all its electricity from renewable sources.
“Our partnership is not limited to hydroelectricity alone. We are now taking major steps together in solar energy,” Modi added, highlighting important agreements signed on energy cooperation.
Furthermore, Modi mentioned India’s comprehensive support for Bhutan, citing New Delhi’s Rs 10,000 crore contribution to Bhutan’s current Five-Year Plan, announced the previous year. Earlier this year, an 11-member delegation from Bhutan met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, with Sarma affirming that Assam’s development goals align with Modi’s regional vision.
With these new railway lines, energy projects, and cross-border infrastructure set to take shape, the partnership between India and Bhutan is on the verge of significant expansion.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/indiabhutan-rail-links-mindfulness-city-energy-push-to-boost-ties-pm-in-thimphu-1597637
Category: North East,National,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-11-11 20:00:00
