International Desk, 17th December: In a momentous announcement, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan has disclosed plans for the Gelephu Special Administration Region (SAR), an expansive mega city project covering 1,000 sq km.
Positioned as a key economic hub for South Asia, the SAR is set to capitalize on the connectivity between South Asia and South East Asia, marking a pivotal development in the region’s economic landscape.
After meticulous planning spanning several years, the project will establish its own laws and systems, welcoming Foreign Direct Investment and skilled workers on a global scale. Rigorous screening processes for quality investments will be implemented, ensuring the SAR becomes a catalyst for economic opportunities benefiting both domestic and overseas Bhutanese.
During a recent 10-day visit to India, King Jigme engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Gelephu project. Notably, this visionary endeavor will be integrated into the Sarpang district Special Economic Zone, featuring an international airport at Gelephu.
Further talks involved plans for a 58-km rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam, alongside exploration of an additional 18-km rail link between Samtse in Bhutan and Banarhat in West Bengal.
In a collaborative gesture, India has agreed to facilitate the transportation of Bhutanese trade items from Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh. The King’s smart city vision for Gelephu emerged as a significant focal point during discussions with the Prime Minister, marking a stride toward a dynamic and interconnected future.