In a historic step to deepen ties with Bhutan, India on Monday announced the launch of two cross-border railway projects that will, for the first time, connect the Himalayan kingdom with the Indian Railways network.

In a joint presser with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu and 20-km Banarhat-Samtse projects, worth Rs 4,600 crore, would serve as vital trade and passenger links, unlocking new economic opportunities for both nations.

“This will provide a seamless gateway for Bhutan to the 1,50,000-km-long Indian railway grid, cutting travel time from days to hours and catalysing industrial growth and tourism,” said Vaishnaw, adding the lines would be fully electrified and designed for Vande Bharat trains.

Responding to a que

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