Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, India, discussed plans for Assam's involvement in the development of Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) at a press conference. Below are the key highlights of Assam's contribution and plans: 

• Assam plans to build transportation links and expand the airport. Planned initiatives include the following:  
  
  • A six-lane highway between Bongaigaon and Gelephu;  
  • A new railway track from Guwahati to Gelephu via Kokrajhar, potentially featuring luxury trains like Vande Bharat; 
  • The Guwahati airport, set to be inaugurated in July, will be comparable to the planned GMC Airport. 
• Assam will undertake a collaborative approach with respect to the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The Minister noted that Assam aims to complement rather than compete with Bhutan's GMC project. The goal is to market Assam and Gelephu together, creating mutual benefits. 
• Assam plans to leverage the opportunities presented by the GMC, which is expected to attract significant international investment and high-profile visitors. 

In addition, Bhutan and Assam have held discussions regarding hydropower cooperation using Bhutan's rivers, as well water supply projects including irrigation projects. 

Bhutan is also exploring Assam as a new "green area" for transportation, moving beyond its traditional reliance on West Bengal. Bhutan is already exporting through Jogighopa, with recent shipments to Bangladesh. 

Plans are underway for further partnership between Assam and Bhutan. Bhutan's Prime Minister also plans to attend Assam's investment summit. Bhutan’s royal family, led by the King of Bhutan, has also been invited to visit Assam in 2025.   
 

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Assam CM says rail line from Guwahati to GMC and 6 lane Expressway