India and Bhutan Working Towards Creating a Railway Link Between the Countries

NEW DELHI: The External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar mentioned that the Governments of Bhutan and India are in talkies regarding a possible railway link between the two countries. This route will connect Assam to several points in the landlocked country of Bhutan. The minister mentioned that this rail link will be beneficial to both countries in terms of both trade as well as mutual understanding. This will also open new avenues for tourism on both sides of the border.

The minister mentioned that this project of the first-ever train line between the two countries is expected to be completed in three years and that the government of India will fund the creation of 57 km of railway track. Dr Tandi Dorji, the foreign minister of Bhutan had mentioned in April that the Bhutan Government will start work on this project to connect several border towns. These include Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrupjongkhar.

S Jaishankar also added that India is looking forward towards signing the coastal shipping agreement this year. This will allow the country to utilise the shipping ways of Myanmar but expresses concern regarding the completion of the work because of the law and order situation in the country posing a threat to the Myanmar Trilateral Highway project.

“The border situation with Myanmar is challenging. Sittwe Port is operational, and we are hopeful to conclude the coastal shipping agreement this year. Myanmar Trilateral highway is a big challenge due to the law-and-order situation, we are engaging with Myanmar authorities to meet challenges,” said the minister.

The Sittwe Port located in Myanmar is in operation and will be a major benefit to the Northeastern part of the country in terms of trade and commerce once the highway project is completed. This will be mutually beneficial for both the neighbouring countries.

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