Rail projects declared between India and Bhutan (Kokrajhar-Galefu and Banarhat-Samatse) are not just a sign of the expansion of the infrastructure, but they initiate a new chapter in South Asia’s strategic geopolitics. Both these rail lines, built at a cost of about ₹ 4,033 crore, will not only provide Bhutan its first rail connectivity, but will also give deep strategic and economic dimensions to the Indo-Bhutan partnership.
Let us tell you that Bhutan is an important buffer zone for the north-eastern region of India. Many border disputes between China and Bhutan are still unresolved, especially the Doklam region, where there was an India-China confrontation in 2017. In such a situation, rail connectivity is not limited to trade and tourism; It also strengthens security partnership. Let us tell you that the Kokrajhar-Galifu railway line directly connects to Bongagaon, which is an industrial and strategic hub. In case of crisis, through this railway line, India will get the option to transport the defense material supply rapidly in the Northeast.
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In addition, rail connectivity will strengthen both India’s mobility and the stability of Bhutan. Given the increasing diplomatic pressure by China in Bhutan, this connectivity strengthens security balance in India’s favor. Let us tell you that Bhutan’s economy has been limited to road network and road transport on India till now. Through new 70–90 km of new tracks, Bhutan will directly connect with India’s 1.5 million km long railway network. This means that Bhutanese exports – especially hydropower, cement, minerals and agricultural products will easily reach Indian ports and global markets.
Apart from this, Samatse, which is the industrial city of Bhutan, can attract investment by joining Indian markets. At the same time, the rail will prove to be important in linking the plan to develop Gallefu as “Mindfulness City” to the international tourist network. If seen, India’s cooperation of ₹ 10,000 crore in Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan is an indication that railway projects are not only a infrastructure, but a part of overall development cooperation.
Let us tell you that the connectivity of the north-eastern states of India is important in terms of national integration and economic development. New trade and cultural opportunities will open via Bhutan for Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. Also, industries in Bongagaon and North Bengal will now be directly connected to Bhutani market. At the same time, the rail route between Darjeeling-Bhutan-Assam will promote international and domestic tourism. Also, the relations between the people of India-Bhutan will be further deepened by cross-border traffic.
However, a question about this project also arises whether it is the answer to the BRI of China? If seen, China’s belt and road initiative (Bri) is constantly expanding its impact in South Asia. CPEC in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and infrastructure projects in Nepal are examples. Bhutan has kept distance from BRI so far and this is the identity of its India-centered foreign policy. Let us tell you that this railway project of India is not a direct option of BRI, but it can be called a strategic balance step. While BRI is suffering from China’s debt-market and strategic siege image, India’s cooperation is grant-based, transparent and partnership. It is more important for a small Himalayan nation like Bhutan that India is nurturing its security, culture and development at a parallel pace.
If seen, the Indo-Bhutan rail connectivity is not just a track laying project; This is a shared future outline. While on the one hand it will take Bhutan in the direction of economic self-reliance by giving it its first rail connectivity, on the other hand it will establish a new strategic balance in the north-east and all over South Asia of India. The project is not a direct reply to China’s BRI, but a better option – a model in which development cooperation makes small Himalayan nations free and confident. This new dimension of friendship between India and Bhutan will not only strengthen bilateral relations, but will also form the basis of stability and balance in South Asia.
Let us also tell you that a formal agreement in this regard was also made between the Indian Railways and the Government of Bhutan. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared information related to this railway project with the media. Indian Railways has declared the Kokrajhar-Galfu link as ‘Special Railway Project’ (SRP), which ensures it on a priority basis. This step is not only limited to infrastructure expansion, but is being seen as a project of strategic importance under the ‘Act East Policy’. According to railway officials, the project will play an important role in strengthening cross -border connectivity, increasing national security and strengthening the local and regional economy. However, the project shows that infrastructure expansion is not only a means of traffic, but can also become a strong basis of regional diplomacy, economic development and strategic security.