Bhutan’s Royal Address Shines a Spotlight on Collaborative Railway Endeavor with India on National Day
In a momentous National Day (December 17) speech at Changlimithang Stadium, Bhutan’s revered King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck revealed intricate details of an ambitious railway project poised to establish the first-ever rail connection between Bhutan and India. The groundbreaking initiative is set to link Bhutan’s Gelephu with Assam’s Kokrajhar, marking a historic milestone in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighboring nations.
King Wangchuck’s address delved into the profound significance of the eastern Asian corridor, which will seamlessly connect Gelephu and Assam. He articulated, “Around 2 billion people in South Asia…It’s not merely a project; it’s a period of awakening for the region, a period of growth, a period of immense opportunities.” Expressing profound gratitude, the King acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for their unwavering support and commitment to realizing this transformative railway project.
This monumental announcement follows in-depth discussions between King Wangchuck and Prime Minister Modi during the monarch’s extensive visit to Delhi in early November. The railway project, aptly considered the king’s legacy initiative, stands as a testament to the forward-looking vision of both nations and is poised to reshape the regional landscape by fostering enhanced connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation.
In his National Day address, King Wangchuck expanded on the multifaceted impact of the railway project, emphasizing its pivotal role in national development. He underscored the significance of national skilling and job creation, with the railway project anticipated to be a major catalyst for employment in Bhutan. The completion of the Preliminary Engineering-cum-Traffic (PET) survey by Indian Railways has paved the way for the comprehensive implementation of this transformative rail link.
The collaboration extends beyond the railway project itself, encompassing plans to upgrade the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri in Assam to an Integrated Check Post, with active support from the Government of India. Simultaneously, concerted efforts will be made to enhance facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu, ensuring a seamless and efficient cross-border trade environment conducive to economic growth.
During the King’s November visit, he engaged in substantive discussions with Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, and embarked on a three-day tour of the state. This included visits to the culturally significant Kamakhya Temple and the world-renowned Kaziranga National Park, showcasing the cultural and ecological aspects integral to the region.
The railway project, as revealed in a comprehensive joint statement after the Bhutan King-PM Modi meeting, extends beyond Gelephu and Assam. Both sides have committed to exploring the intricate possibility of establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan, underscoring a broader and enduring commitment to regional connectivity and cooperation.
***
