GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the proposed Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway link will play a crucial role in strengthening trade, tourism and regional connectivity, further advancing India’s Act East Policy and deepening ties with Bhutan.

Highlighting the significance of the project in a post on X, Sarma said enhanced connectivity is creating new economic opportunities for Assam and positioning the state as a key gateway for cross-border commerce in the region.

The Chief Minister described the 69.05-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line as a landmark infrastructure project that will connect Kokrajhar in Assam with Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, a flagship urban development initiative of the Himalayan kingdom.

According to official estimates, the proposed railway corridor will be developed at a cost of Rs 3,456.36 crore.

Sarma said the rail link is expected to boost trade and tourism between India and Bhutan while improving regional connectivity. He added that the project will strengthen Assam’s strategic role in India’s engagement with neighbouring countries and Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.

The Chief Minister also noted that the railway project represents another important milestone in the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan. He said the improved connectivity will create fresh avenues for economic growth, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and contribute to the overall development of the region.

Once completed, the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link is expected to enhance cross-border cooperation and support the broader vision of expanding connectivity-driven growth across Northeast India.