India-Bhutan Railway Links - A Strategic Infrastructural Push

 

India-Bhutan Railway Links - A Strategic Infrastructural Push

This development signifies a major step in India's neighbourhood diplomacy and infrastructure-led connectivity.

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1. Why in the News?

The Government of India, in a joint announcement by the Railway Minister and the Foreign Secretary, has approved two cross-border railway projects connecting Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu (Bhutan) (69 km) and Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samtse (Bhutan) (20 km), with a combined cost of over ₹4,000 crore. An inter-governmental MoU was subsequently signed with Bhutan.

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2. Project Details at a Glance

Aspect	Kokrajhar-Gelephu Line	Banarhat-Samtse Line
Length	69 km	20 km
Cost	₹3,456 crore	₹577 crore
Indian Side	66.66 km (Assam)	17.42 km (West Bengal)
Bhutanese Side	2.39 km	2.13 km
Construction Period	4 years	3 years
Key Features	6 stations, 29 major bridges, 2 viaducts	2 stations, 1 major bridge, 24 minor bridges

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3. Historical Context & Evolution

• 2005 MoU: The genesis lies in an MoU signed in 2005 for five proposed rail links between India and Bhutan.

• Feasibility Studies: RITES (a PSU under Railways) conducted initial studies, followed by Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

• Recent Impetus: The project gained momentum during PM Modi's visit to Bhutan in March 2024, where the text of the MoU was finalised. The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line has been declared a "Special Railway Project" for fast-tracked clearances.

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4. Strategic & Economic Significance for India

A. Strengthening Bilateral Ties & Neighbourhood First Policy:

• Bhutan is a key strategic partner and the only neighbour with which India shares unblemished, peaceful relations.

• This project concretizes India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, enhancing people-to-people connections and economic interdependence.

B. Countering Chinese Influence:

• The announcement comes amid China's persistent efforts to expand its influence in South Asia, including its unresolved border disputes with Bhutan.

• By enhancing connectivity and economic integration, India preemptively strengthens Bhutan's ties with it, creating a natural barrier against Chinese strategic inroads in the region.

C. Boosting Trade and Economic Integration:

• India is Bhutan's top trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of its total trade.

• The rail links will drastically reduce logistics costs and time, boosting trade.

  • Gelephu: Connects to the ambitious "Gelephu Mindfulness City" – a special economic zone envisioned by the King of Bhutan to attract global investment.

  • Samtse: Connects to a major industrial town, facilitating the export of Bhutanese minerals like dolomite, ferro-silicon, and quartzite to India.

D. Integrating India's Northeast:

• The Kokrajhar-Gelephu link will provide a new trade and transit corridor for Assam and other Northeastern states, further integrating them with the regional economy and boosting their development.

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5. Benefits for Bhutan

• First Railway Network: These will be the first-ever railway lines in Bhutan, marking a historic leap in its infrastructure development.

• Economic Catalyst: Direct rail access to India will be a cornerstone for the success of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and Samtse's industries, attracting foreign investment.

• Enhanced Mobility: Will facilitate easier and cheaper movement of people for tourism, education, and healthcare.

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6. Probable UPSC Questions

A. Prelims (Factual)

1. Consider the following pairs regarding recently announced India-Bhutan railway links:

   1. Kokrajhar-Gelephu Link : Assam

   2. Banarhat-Samtse Link : West Bengal

   3. Pasakha Link : Sikkim

   Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
   a) 1 only
   b) 1 and 2 only
   c) 2 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3
   Answer: b) 1 and 2 only (Pasakha is in Bhutan, linked to Hasimara, West Bengal).

2. The "Gelephu Mindfulness City", recently in the news, is a project of which country?
   a) Nepal
   b) Bangladesh
   c) Bhutan
   d) India
   Answer: c) Bhutan

B. Mains GS (Analytical)

GS Paper II (International Relations)

1. The recently announced India-Bhutan rail links are more than just infrastructure projects; they are a strategic imperative. Discuss.

2. "Connectivity is the cornerstone of cooperation." In light of this statement, analyze how the India-Bhutan railway projects will bolster the time-tested bilateral relationship.

GS Paper III (Security, Infrastructure)

1. Infrastructure development in border areas is crucial for both economic development and national security. Elucidate with reference to the new railway lines connecting India and Bhutan.

2. The Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link has been declared a "Special Railway Project". What are the likely benefits of such a classification, and what challenges might be faced in its implementation?

C. Interview

• "Some argue that building infrastructure in a small, strategic neighbour like Bhutan could create over-dependence. How would you address this concern?"

• "Beyond the strategic counter to China, what are the long-term cultural and soft power benefits of these railway links for India?"

• "What steps should India take to ensure that the economic benefits of this project are felt by the local communities on both sides of the border?"