Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will soon establish an integrated immigration checkpoint near the Bhutanese border town of Gelephu to further facilitate the movement of visitors and investors between the two nations.
Addressing a public gathering at the Changlimithang Celebration Ground in Thimphu during his two-day state visit to Bhutan, PM Modi said the initiative would significantly enhance connectivity and ease of movement across the India-Bhutan border.
“I’m making another important announcement from this platform today. In the near future, India will also be building an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to further facilitate visitors and investors,” the Prime Minister said.
He also announced that the towns of Gelephu and Samtse would be connected to India’s extensive railway network — a move that will improve market access for Bhutanese industries and farmers.
PM Modi said both nations are simultaneously working to upgrade road and border infrastructure to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.
Underscoring the depth of the India-Bhutan partnership, PM Modi recalled India’s commitment of Rs 10,000 crore towards Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
According to the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, Rs 7,000 crore has been earmarked for Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects, Rs 1,000 crore for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), Rs 1,500 crore for Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and Rs 500 crore as a programme grant.
“The progress and prosperity of India and Bhutan are intertwined. Our contribution of Rs 10,000 crore is supporting development across sectors,from roads and agriculture to finance and healthcare, improving the ease of living for the people of Bhutan,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential goods to Bhutan and the expansion of digital connectivity through UPI payments.
“We are also working to ensure that Bhutanese citizens can use UPI facilities when they visit India,” he said. He further mentioned the ongoing collaboration in science and technology, including the joint development of a satellite. “This is a major milestone for both India and Bhutan, reflecting our deep cooperation and shared vision for progress,” he added.
