Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP)
Syllabus: (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Times of India
Context
The proposed 69-km Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail line, India’s first railway link to Bhutan, has been declared a Special Railway Project (SRP) by Indian Railways.
What is the Project?
- A cross-border railway connecting Kokrajhar in Assam, India, with Gelephu in Bhutan.
- Aims to provide Bhutan its first-ever railway connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties.
Organisations Involved
- Implemented by: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) under the Railways Act, 1989.
- Supported by: Government of India, aligned with the Act East Policy.
Objectives and Importance
- Strategic Significance
- Enhances cross-border connectivity with Bhutan.
- Strengthens India’s frontier infrastructure in the Northeast.
- Economic and Social Benefits
- Boosts trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Positions the region as a regional trade hub.
- Support to Act East Policy
- Improves integration of Northeast India with South Asia.
Key Features
- Project Cost: Approx. ₹3,500 crore
- Stations: Six new stations – Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, Gelephu
- Road Connectivity: 1 Road Over Bridge (ROB) and 39 Road Under Bridges (RUBs)
- Viaducts: Two viaducts of 11 metres each to traverse difficult terrain
Significance
- Marks Bhutan’s first rail link, a historic milestone in its infrastructure development.
- Enhances regional trade, connectivity, and bilateral cooperation.
- Strengthens India’s strategic and economic presence in the Northeast.
