Consider the following statements regarding the India–Bhutan Railway Link, recently announced by the Government of India: I. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway line connects Assam in India with Bhutan’s Sarpang region and will be fully electrified. II. The Banarhat–Samtse railway line connects Sikkim in India with Bhutan’s Samtse district and is expected to be completed within five years. III. Both projects are part of India’s ₹10,000 crore development commitment under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–29). IV. These railway links aim to boost bilateral trade, regional integration, and strengthen India’s strategic influence in Bhutan. How many of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is Option 3 In News The Government of India recently announced two major cross-border railway projects to connect Bhutan with India’s northeastern and eastern regions, enhancing trade, connectivity, and strategic cooperation. Key Points The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line (69 km) connects Assam’s Kokrajhar district to Gelephu in Bhutan’s Sarpang region, and will be fully electrified with advanced signalling systems. Hence, Statement I is correct. The Banarhat–Samtse line (20 km) connects West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, not Sikkim, with Bhutan’s Samtse district, and is expected to be completed in three years, not five. Hence, Statement II is incorrect. Both projects are part of India’s ₹10,000 crore commitment under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–29). Hence, Statement III is correct. The railway links aim to boost bilateral trade, facilitate mineral imports from Bhutan, and enhance India’s strategic and diplomatic influence in Bhutan’s development. Hence, Statement IV is correct. Additional Information Kokrajhar–Gelephu Line: Total length: 69 km (66.66 km in India, 2.39 km in Bhutan). Features: 6 stations, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, 2 goodsheds, 39 underpasses. Completion timeline: 4 years. Banarhat–Samtse Line: Total length: 20 km (17.42 km in India, 2.13 km in Bhutan). Features: 2 stations, 1 major bridge, 24 minor bridges, 1 overpass, 37 underpasses. Completion timeline: 3 years.