(a) whether any agreement has been signed for connecting India and Bhutan through rail;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which railway connectivity is likely to be established between the two countries?
(a) whether any agreement has been signed for connecting India and Bhutan through rail;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which railway connectivity is likely to be established between the two countries?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) to (c): A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan was signed on 25th January, 2005 for conducting feasibility studies for the establishsment of Railway Links between the bordering towns of India and Bhutan. Under the MOU, M/s RITES, a Public Sector Undertaking, would conduct feasibility studies for the extension of the Indian railway network from the States of West Bengal and Assam to the nearest border towns in Bhutan covering the following links:
1. Hasimara (West Bengal) - Phuentsholing (18 Kms) and bifurcation to Pasakha;
2. Kokrajhar (Assam) - Gelephu ( 70 Kms)
3. Pathsala (Assam) - Nanglam ( 40 Kms)
4. Rangia (Assam) - Samdrupjongkhar via Darranga ( 60 Km); and
5. Banarhat (West Bengal) - Samtse ( 16 Km).