India and Bhutan are in talks for laying a railway link between Assam’s Kokrajhar and Bhutanese town of Gelephu .It could promote both trade and tourism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on August 7.
In an interaction with the media, he also said the internal situation in Myanmar has created challenges for various infrastructure projects including for the ambitious trilateral highway initiative.
The IndiaMyanmarThailand trilateral highway project seen as a major initiative to boost regional connectivity.
“The internal situation in Myanmar has created challenges for infrastructure projects. This includes the segment of the trilateral highway that is still under construction, as also that of 69 bridges,” Jaishankar said.
Since 2014, the Modi Government has paid special attention to the development of border infrastructure and connectivity,” he said.
Bhutan trade
On connectivity with Bhutan, Jaishankar said India is seeking to create greater trade and tourism opportunities.
“A railway link from Gelephu-Kokrajhar explored on the Assam border which could promote both trade and tourism,” he said.
On the connectivity initiatives with Bangladesh, Jaishankar said operationalisation of the Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh would greatly help the Northeastern states and West Bengal economically.
He said five operational bus services, three cross-border passenger train services and two inland waterway routes are facilitating people-to-people contacts.
The external affairs minister said the supply of power from India, the transit facility for power from Nepal and the power generation at the Indian built Maitri plant is changing the energy scenario.
“As with Nepal, our neighbourhood first policy is today focusing on rail, road, border facilitation, electricity transmission and fuel supply with Bangladesh,” he said.
On Nepal, Jaishankar said the Modi government has taken initiatives in all aspects of connectivity with that country that is benefitting the bordering states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The notable developments Jaishankar cited included setting up of integrated check posts (ICP) at Birgunj-Raxaul (2018), Biratnagar-Jogbani (2020) and Nepalganj- Rupaidiha (2023).
He said Work is beginning on the Bhairahawa-Sunauli ICP and an agreement signed for ICP Dodhara-Chandni.
Jaishankar said the rail connectivity between the two countries has been greatly enhanced.