India has announced plans to construct two cross-border railway lines to Bhutan, giving the Himalayan nation its first direct rail connections with the country.The projects, which will cost over Rs 4,000 crore, are aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The new rail lines will connect the Bhutanese cities of Gelephu and Samtse with Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal, respectively. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared the details during a joint media briefing. Under the projects, a total of 89 kilometres of railway lines will be constructed, with work expected to be completed within the next four years.

“India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect, and understanding,” Misri said. He added that the countries’ ties are rooted in cultural and civilizational connections, people-to-people relations, and shared development and security interests.

The announcement comes amid growing Chinese influence in Bhutan, making these projects strategically important. The agreement to build the rail links was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year.

The first railway line, between Kokrajhar and Gelephu, will be 69 km long and include six stations. It will also feature two major bridges, two viaducts, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goodsheds, one road-over-bridge, and 39 road-under-bridges. Out of the total length, 2.39 km will fall within Bhutan. The project is expected to cost Rs 3,456 crore and will be completed in four years.

The second line, connecting Banarhat and Samtse, will be 20 km long with two stations and is expected to be finished in three years at a cost of Rs 577 crore.

Vaishnaw explained that since most of Bhutan’s trade passes through Indian ports, having a seamless rail connection is essential for boosting the Bhutanese economy and providing better access to global markets. Both Samtse and Gelephu are important for Bhutan’s economic growth plans.

Misri added that India has been Bhutan’s largest development partner, supporting its modernization and infrastructure growth. For Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), India has pledged Rs 10,000 crore for projects including community development, economic stimulus, and project-tied assistance, double the amount provided in the previous plan.