India-Bhutan agree to finalise location for first cross-border rail link

India and Bhutan agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in multiple areas with a special focus on crossborder connectivity and also agreed on the final location survey of the first crossborder rail link between the two countries This comes after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk on MondayPleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary IndiaBhutan relationship Deeply value His Majestys vision for the development and wellbeing of the friendly people of Bhutan PM Modi posted on X formerly TwitterPleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary IndiaBhutan relationship Deeply value His Majestyrsquos vision for the development and well being ofhellip pictwittercomasmCAaKMjGmdash Narendra Modi narendramodi November 6 2023According to the joint statement of India and Bhutan the two sides agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation on trade technology crossborder connectivity mutual investments education and peopletopeople connections The following was agreed uponThe two sides agreed to undertake the Final Location Survey FLS in consultation with the Bhutanese side of the proposed crossborder rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan through the support of the Indian governmentThe two sides noted the successful completion of the Preliminary EngineeringcumTraffic PET survey of the raillink by Indian Railways The two sides also agreed to consider establishing rail link between Banarhat West Bengal and Samtse Bhutan the statement addedIndia and Bhutan also agreed to designate Darranga Assam and Samdrup Jongkhar Bhutan as immigration check post between Bhutan and India to facilitate the entry and exit of thirdcountry nationals by land route for enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism The joint statement stated that the Indian government will positively consider Bhutans request for concessional financing in the area of skill development and capacity building under the GyalSung ProjectThe Haldibari West Bengal Chilahati Bangladesh rail route will also be designated as an additional trade route for Bhutans trade with Bangladesh the statement added The Indian government will provide bridge financing for the period between 12th and 13th Five Year Plans of Bhutan for projects and schemes assisted by Indian governmentThe two countries agreed to strengthen trade infrastructure including by suitable upgradation of the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri Assam to Integrated Check Post through GOI support along with development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu Bhutan the joint statement readIndia and Bhutan will also work to strengthen collaborative framework in environmental conservation wildlife preservation forestry under the framework MoU for developing cooperation in the areas of environment underscoring shared commitment to safeguarding the ecological diversity of the regionAccording to the joint statement additional MBBS seats will be allocated for Bhutanese students in medical colleges in Assam as an endeavour to ensure access to quality medical education and training to Bhutanese nationals India and Bhutan also agreed to double the outlay under Ambassadors scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in IndiaThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever