| Work Detail |
India and Bhutan agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, and also agreed on the final location survey of the first cross-border rail link between the two countries. The development comes after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, which took place on 6 November, 2023. According to the joint statement of India and Bhutan, the two sides agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation on trade, technology, cross-border connectivity, and many others. The two sides agreed to undertake the final location survey (FLS), in consultation with the Bhutanese side of the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan with support of Indian government. Successful completion of the preliminary engineering-cum-traffic (PET) survey of the rail-link by Indian Railways was also noted. Also in consideration is a plan to establish the rail-link between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan). India and Bhutan also agreed to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as immigration check post to facilitate the entry and exit of third country nationals by land route for enhanced connectivity. The Haldibari (West Bengal) - Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail route will also be designated as an additional trade route for Bhutans trade with Bangladesh. The two countries aim to strengthen trade infrastructure, including by suitable upgradation of the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to Integrated Check Post through GOI support along with development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu (Bhutan). |
