Why in News? 

India has launched its first railway links with Bhutan: Kokrajhar–Gelephu (Assam) & Banarhat–Samtse (WB), totaling 89 km. 

• Gelephu (being developed as "Mindfulness City") & Samtse (an industrial town by Govt. by Bhutan) are key export-import hubs on the 700-km India-Bhutan border.  
• Railway links reinforce India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, counter China’s influence, and deepen ties. For Bhutan, it offers access to India’s 1.5 lakh km rail network, boosting trade, tourism, industrial growth & people-to-people connections. 
• India pledged Rs 10,000 cr for Bhutan’s 13th FYP (2024–29); Integrated check post at Darranga, Assam.  
• Bhutan will benefit from Jogighopha Inland Waterways Terminal.  
• 5 joint hydropower projects– Chukha, Tala, Mangdechhu, Kurichhu & Punatsangchhu II.