King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan visited Assam on Saturday. He inspected the international multimodal logistics park and the inland water transport terminal in Bongaigaon district’s Jogighopa. These projects, near the India-Bhutan border, are vital for Bhutan. The logistics park is part of the Bharatmala project along the Brahmaputra River, while the terminal was inaugurated on February 18.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of the visit. “The visit of the King of Bhutan to the recently inaugurated IWT Jogighopa terminal as well as the Jogighopa Multi Modal Logistics Park is historic,” he stated. He noted that this visit strengthens the longstanding friendship and trust between India and Bhutan.
Strategic Importance and Development
The projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy, aiming for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that these initiatives will transform the region. They will ensure smooth trade and logistics movement and support Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City development.
Assam Public Health and Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah welcomed King Wangchuk at the logistics park. The king examined both projects during his visit. Baruah explained that the park, developed by NHIDCL, will integrate road, rail, air, and waterways once completed.
Economic Potential and Security Measures
The logistics park spans 317 acres along the Brahmaputra River. It promises significant economic benefits for Assam by enhancing trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. The strategic location near Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City will also boost the park’s success, according to Baruah.
The inland water transport terminal was built for Rs 82 crores. Officials expect it to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually. During King Wangchuk’s visit, security was tightened with police from Bhutan present, and media access was restricted at both sites.
After a day-long trip, King Wangchuk returned to Bhutan. His visit underscores the importance of these projects for regional connectivity and economic collaboration between India and Bhutan.
