Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bhutan marked a significant chapter in India-Bhutan relations, highlighted by a series of pivotal announcements aimed at bolstering connectivity, facilitating movement, and deepening economic ties between the two nations. A central focus of these initiatives is the strategic Gelephu entry point, poised for a transformative overhaul that promises enhanced access and economic prosperity.
Streamlining Access: The Integrated Immigration Checkpoint at Gelephu
A cornerstone of PM Modi’s announcements is India’s commitment to constructing an integrated immigration checkpoint near Gelephu. This crucial infrastructure development is designed to streamline the entry process for both visitors and investors, significantly easing cross-border travel and fostering greater economic exchange. By simplifying immigration procedures, the checkpoint is expected to encourage tourism, trade, and investment, making Gelephu a more accessible gateway to Bhutan.
The newly envisioned integrated immigration checkpoint at Gelephu, a key element in boosting cross-border movement and economic ties.
Revolutionizing Transport: Gelephu’s New Rail Connectivity
Further reinforcing the vision for enhanced connectivity, Prime Minister Modi announced the ambitious project to connect Gelephu and Samtse to India’s extensive railway network. This cross-border rail link, particularly the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line connecting Assam to southern Bhutan, is a monumental undertaking with a budget exceeding Nu 4,000 crore and an estimated completion time of four years. Upon its realization, this railway will provide Bhutanese industries and farmers unparalleled access to India’s vast market, facilitating trade and reducing transportation costs. The improved freight and passenger movement will be a game-changer for regional economic development.
A visual representation of the proposed Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line, set to revolutionize transport and trade.
India’s Full Support for Gelephu Mindfulness City
India also unequivocally affirmed its full support for Bhutan’s visionary “Gelephu Mindfulness City” project, a dream initiative championed by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Launched in December 2023, this project aims to develop Gelephu into a sustainable economic hub rooted in Bhutanese values of Gross National Happiness (GNH), spanning a unique architectural blueprint across 1,000 square kilometers as a special administrative zone. India’s backing extends to advancing border infrastructure and fostering greater economic and investment linkages, crucial for the success of this ambitious endeavor. Integral to this city’s development is the Gelephu International Airport, whose construction commenced on July 13, 2025. This airport is expected to significantly ease access for foreign tourists, boost regional commerce, and diversify entry points to Bhutan, alleviating pressure on the existing Paro International Airport.
Broader Commitments and Economic Partnership
Beyond the specific initiatives at Gelephu, the announcements underscore a broader commitment to strengthening India-Bhutan ties:
- Financial Assistance: India has pledged a substantial ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s Five-Year Plan, doubling its previous assistance. This funding is strategically allocated across critical sectors including roads, agriculture, finance, and healthcare, aimed at improving the ease of living for Bhutanese citizens.
- Border Infrastructure Advancement: Both nations are actively progressing in developing comprehensive border infrastructure, encompassing both road and rail connectivity, to foster deeper economic and people-to-people ties. The operational Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam, already facilitates international visitor entry into Bhutan, boosting tourism and economic activities in eastern Bhutan and adjoining areas of Assam.
- Digital Connectivity: Plans are underway to expand India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment facility, ensuring Bhutanese citizens have seamless access upon their arrival in India, further integrating digital economies.
- Energy Cooperation: PM Modi advocated for increased energy cooperation, highlighting the robust India-Bhutan Hydropower Partnership and the launch of a new hydroelectric project that will boost Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by 40%.
These comprehensive announcements by Prime Minister Modi underscore India’s unwavering commitment to Bhutan’s progress and prosperity, with the Gelephu entry point emerging as a pivotal node in this shared vision for enhanced connectivity, economic vibrancy, and regional development.
Key Infrastructure and Location Details in Gelephu
The Gelephu region is a hub of significant developmental projects aimed at transforming Bhutan’s connectivity and economic landscape. Below are details on key initiatives:
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) / Special Administrative Region (SAR)
Address: Gelephu, Sarpang District, Southern Bhutan, near the Indian border.
Description: This visionary project spans over 1,000 square kilometers, designed as a sustainable economic hub rooted in Bhutanese values. It will feature eleven mandala-inspired neighborhoods, green corridors, and inhabitable bridges, prioritizing walkability and integration with nature. Core industries include spirituality, health, education, green energy, finance, agri-tech, aviation, and tourism, aiming to create 100,000 jobs by 2030.
Gelephu International Airport
Address: Gelephu, Sarpang District, Southern Bhutan, approximately 3 km from Gelephu town, across the Paitha River.
Description: Set to be Bhutan’s second international airport, it’s designed to handle 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040. It will feature a 3,000-meter-long runway and a terminal inspired by Bhutan’s four forest ecosystems. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with inauguration slated for December 2029.
Kokrajhar-Gelephu Railway Line
Address: Connecting Kokrajhar, Assam, India, to Gelephu, Bhutan.
Description: Bhutan’s first-ever railway connectivity project, spanning 69.04 km. This crucial link will significantly boost trade and enhance regional security between India and Bhutan.
Integrated Immigration Checkpoint (near Gelephu)
Address: Near Gelephu, Sarpang District, Southern Bhutan.
Description: India’s commitment to construct this checkpoint aims to streamline the entry process for visitors and investors, easing cross-border travel and fostering greater economic exchange.
Hydropower and Other Energy Projects
Description: Ongoing efforts to fast-track hydropower projects and harness alternative energy sources (wind, thermal, solar) are vital for supporting the Gelephu project’s ambitious zero-emission industry goals.
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