Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on December 18 unveiled plans for a significant urban development initiative known as the Gelephu Special Administration Region (SAR).
Key points
- This project aims to foster economic ties between Bhutan and Assam, spanning an expansive area exceeding 1,000 square kilometres in close proximity to the Indian border.
- Discussions have taken place regarding the establishment of a 58-kilometre rail connection between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam.
- Explorations into the feasibility of a second rail link, spanning 18 kilometers and connecting Samtse in Bhutan with Banarhat in West Bengal, were also initiated.
- The project will build the first India-Bhutan railway line to Gelephu, which would also connect with roadways and border trading and crossing points into Assam and West Bengal.
- Over time, the project aims to give Bhutan access to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.
