Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck highlighted the groundbreaking railway project set to create the first-ever&nbsp;rail connection between Bhutan and India in his National Day address on Sunday (Dec 17).

This ambitious infrastructure initiative aims to connect Bhutan's Gelephu with Assam's Kokrajhar via rail link, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighbouring nations.

Mentioning the eastern Asian corridor — connecting Gelephu and Assam — he said, "Around 2 billion people in South Asia...It’s a period of awakening for the region, a period of growth, a period of immense opportunities.”

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for the railway project, connectivity and the support for the project

The remarks came during the King's address to the nation at Changlimithang Stadium on Bhutan's 116th National Day, celebrated on Sunday. This day holds significance as it commemorates the coronation of the first King of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907, which marks the unification of the country.&nbsp;

The railway project was discussed between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the monarch's visit to Delhi in early November.

The railway project, touted as the king's legacy initiative, is poised to reshape the regional landscape by fostering enhanced connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation. The project aims to increase employment in his country, as many young Bhutanese have been moving to countries like Australia. During his address, he emphasised on national skilling.

The Preliminary Engineering-cum-Traffic (PET) survey for the project, conducted by Indian Railways, has been completed, paving the way for the implementation of the rail link. The comprehensive nature of this collaboration extends beyond the railway project itself.

Plans are underway to upgrade the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri in Assam to an Integrated Check Post, with support from the Government of India.

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Simultaneously, efforts will be made to enhance facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu, ensuring a seamless and efficient cross-border trade environment.

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During the eight-day November visit, King Wangchuck also visited Assam, where he met with Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of the state.

During the three-day visit to Assam, he also went to Kamakhya Temple and Kaziranga National Park with his family.

The railway project is not confined to Bhutan and India's Assam state. According to the joint statement released after Bhutan King-PM Modi meeting, both sides have agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan, signalling a broader commitment to regional connectivity and cooperation.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck highlighted the groundbreaking railway project set to create the first-ever rail connection between Bhutan and India in his National Day address on Sunday (Dec 17).

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck highlighted the groundbreaking railway project set to create the first-ever rail connection between Bhutan and India in his National Day address on Sunday (Dec 17). This ambitious infrastructure initiative aims to connect Bhutan's Gelephu with Assam's Kokrajhar via rail link, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighbouring nations. Mentioning the eastern Asian corridor — connecting Gelephu and Assam — he said, "Around 2 billion people in South Asia...It’s a period of awakening for the region, a period of growth, a period of immense opportunities.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for the railway project, connectivity and the support for the project The remarks came during the King's address to the nation at Changlimithang Stadium on Bhutan's 116th National Day, celebrated on Sunday. This day holds significance as it commemorates the coronation of the first King of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907, which marks the unification of the country. The railway project was discussed between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the monarch's visit to Delhi in early November. The railway project, touted as the king's legacy initiative, is poised to reshape the regional landscape by fostering enhanced connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation. The project aims to increase employment in his country, as many young Bhutanese have been moving to countries like Australia. During his address, he emphasised on national skilling. The Preliminary Engineering-cum-Traffic (PET) survey for the project, conducted by Indian Railways, has been completed, paving the way for the implementation of the rail link. The comprehensive nature of this collaboration extends beyond the railway project itself. Plans are underway to upgrade the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri in Assam to an Integrated Check Post, with support from the Government of India. Also read | 1971 Indo-Pakistan War: 13-day war which ended with the world's largest surrender of military personnel Simultaneously, efforts will be made to enhance facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu, ensuring a seamless and efficient cross-border trade environment. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict, trade pact, energy dominate PM Modi, Oman Sultan talks During the eight-day November visit, King Wangchuck also visited Assam, where he met with Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of the state. During the three-day visit to Assam, he also went to Kamakhya Temple and Kaziranga National Park with his family. The railway project is not confined to Bhutan and India's Assam state. According to the joint statement released after Bhutan King-PM Modi meeting, both sides have agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan, signalling a broader commitment to regional connectivity and cooperation.

Bhutan's King highlights railway project with India in National Day speech

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is set to embark on an official visit to India from April 3-5 at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of external affairs said that the visit is in "keeping with the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries."

During his visit, the Bhutanese King will meet the Indian president and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp;External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and senior officials will also call on the king. Pointing to "unique ties of friendship and co-operation which are characterised by understanding and mutual trust" between the 2 countries, the MEA statement said that the visit would "provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral co-operation and to further advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development co-operation." The visit has been in the works for some time now and is likely to be followed by the visit of another neighbour of India—Nepal PM Prachanda to Delhi.

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The relationship between India and Bhutan has seen regular high-level visits, with PM Modi visiting Bhutan in August 2019 and the Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar visiting the country in 2019 and April 2022. In addition, foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited the Himalayan country in January 2023, while the Bhutanese King had a transit visit in September 2022 while going to the UK. The Prime Minister of Bhutan visited India in 2018 and 2019, and the Foreign Minister of Bhutan visited in 2019. The foreign secretary of Bhutan also visited India in August 2022.

The two countries have enjoyed a close partnership that extends beyond traditional areas of co-operation, with India providing special assistance to Bhutan during the COVID-19 pandemic. India sent 13 consignments of medical supplies to Bhutan and was the first country to provide Covishield vaccines to Bhutan.

India has also provided assistance to Bhutan's Five-Year Plans since 1961, with the latest assistance towards the XII FYP (2018-23) totalling Rs 4500 Cr for various multi-sectoral Project Tied Assistance, Small Development Projects, Direct Budgetary Support, and more. Hydro-power co-operation has provided clean power for India and economic prosperity for Bhutan, with a steady stream of revenue and positive growth even during the pandemic. India has installed over 2000 MW of capacity with four mega hydro projects since the 1980s, with two more under construction.

In addition, India has consistently been Bhutan's top trading partner and remains the leading source of investments in Bhutan. In November 2021, India formalised the opening of seven new trade routes for Bhutan's bilateral and transit trade with India, providing new market access for the formal export of 12 Agri-Products from Bhutan to India, and various special exceptions and quotas for exports.

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The two countries have also collaborated in newer areas beyond traditional realms of co-operation, including new STEM-based initiatives, digital infrastructure such as the Third International Internet Gateway, and the integration of Bhutan's DrukRen with India's National Knowledge Network, key co-operation in the domain of e-Learning. Under financial co-operation/integration, the first phase of the RuPay project was launched, and India's Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) was also launched in July 2021.

Space co-operation is a new and promising area of bilateral co-operation, with both the prime ministers jointly inaugurating the Ground Earth Station of the South Asia Satellite (SAS) in Thimphu in 2019, constructed with the support of ISRO. A Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on co-operation in the peaceful uses of outer space was signed on November 19, 2020, and training of domain experts is underway. The India-Bhutan SAT was launched into space on November 26, 2022, by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Earlier this month, ISRO chief S Somanath visited the country for the inauguration of Ground Earth Station.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is set to embark on an official visit to India from April 3-5 at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of external affairs said that the visit is in "keeping with the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is set to embark on an official visit to India from April 3-5 at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of external affairs said that the visit is in "keeping with the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries." During his visit, the Bhutanese King will meet the Indian president and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and senior officials will also call on the king. Pointing to "unique ties of friendship and co-operation which are characterised by understanding and mutual trust" between the 2 countries, the MEA statement said that the visit would "provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral co-operation and to further advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development co-operation." The visit has been in the works for some time now and is likely to be followed by the visit of another neighbour of India—Nepal PM Prachanda to Delhi. ALSO READ | Lithuania looks to build bridges with India in high-tech and manufacturing: Vice Minister Karolis Žemaitis The relationship between India and Bhutan has seen regular high-level visits, with PM Modi visiting Bhutan in August 2019 and the Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar visiting the country in 2019 and April 2022. In addition, foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited the Himalayan country in January 2023, while the Bhutanese King had a transit visit in September 2022 while going to the UK. The Prime Minister of Bhutan visited India in 2018 and 2019, and the Foreign Minister of Bhutan visited in 2019. The foreign secretary of Bhutan also visited India in August 2022. The two countries have enjoyed a close partnership that extends beyond traditional areas of co-operation, with India providing special assistance to Bhutan during the COVID-19 pandemic. India sent 13 consignments of medical supplies to Bhutan and was the first country to provide Covishield vaccines to Bhutan. India has also provided assistance to Bhutan's Five-Year Plans since 1961, with the latest assistance towards the XII FYP (2018-23) totalling Rs 4500 Cr for various multi-sectoral Project Tied Assistance, Small Development Projects, Direct Budgetary Support, and more. Hydro-power co-operation has provided clean power for India and economic prosperity for Bhutan, with a steady stream of revenue and positive growth even during the pandemic. India has installed over 2000 MW of capacity with four mega hydro projects since the 1980s, with two more under construction. In addition, India has consistently been Bhutan's top trading partner and remains the leading source of investments in Bhutan. In November 2021, India formalised the opening of seven new trade routes for Bhutan's bilateral and transit trade with India, providing new market access for the formal export of 12 Agri-Products from Bhutan to India, and various special exceptions and quotas for exports. WATCH | Bhutan-China: New Tango? | Bhutan moving away India's embrace? | World News | WION The two countries have also collaborated in newer areas beyond traditional realms of co-operation, including new STEM-based initiatives, digital infrastructure such as the Third International Internet Gateway, and the integration of Bhutan's DrukRen with India's National Knowledge Network, key co-operation in the domain of e-Learning. Under financial co-operation/integration, the first phase of the RuPay project was launched, and India's Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) was also launched in July 2021. Space co-operation is a new and promising area of bilateral co-operation, with both the prime ministers jointly inaugurating the Ground Earth Station of the South Asia Satellite (SAS) in Thimphu in 2019, constructed with the support of ISRO. A Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on co-operation in the peaceful uses of outer space was signed on November 19, 2020, and training of domain experts is underway. The India-Bhutan SAT was launched into space on November 26, 2022, by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Earlier this month, ISRO chief S Somanath visited the country for the inauguration of Ground Earth Station. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bhutan's king to visit India to bolster ties, open new avenues of co-operation

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Bhutan's King highlights railway project with India in National Day speech

Bhutan's king to visit India to bolster ties, open new avenues of co-operation