The Bhutanese monarch recently unveiled plans to construct a formidable “international city” spanning over 1,000 square kilometers on the nation’s frontier with Assam. Dubbed the Gelephu Project, this ambitious endeavor seeks to create a vibrant economic corridor bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern states.
The Key Features of the Gelephu Smart City Project
With sustainability and environmentally-conscious practices at its core, Bhutan aims to establish an eco-friendly city that fosters “zero-emission” industries. This green city also aspires to invite high-quality investments from international companies after careful vetting.
The prevalent attraction of Bhutan in the tourism and wellness sectors is spotlighted in the envisaged “mindfulness city”. Infrastructure firms are also expected to make their mark in this development.
A unique aspect of the Gelephu project is that it anticipates functioning as a “Special Administrative Region”, governed by distinctive laws to encourage additional international investments. Essentially, this endeavor is set to serve as a catalyst for transformation, driving an “inflection point” for Bhutan, and by extension, South Asia.
To facilitate connectivity, the Indian Government has pledged to build the first India-Bhutan railway line leading to Gelephu. The planned rail line would effectively connect Bhutan with Assam and West Bengal, through roads and border trading points, eventually offering Bhutan a gateway to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.
Understanding Bhutan: A Snapshot of Key Facts
Situated between India and Tibet (an autonomous region of China), Bhutan is a landlocked nation with Thimphu as its capital. The country transitioned into a democratic state in 2008, following its inaugural democratic elections.
The King of Bhutan holds the position of the Head of State in this constitutional monarchy.
Significant Rivers of Bhutan
Bhutan’s landscape is adorned by several major rivers, including the Torsa (Amo), Wong (Raidak), Sankosh (Mo), and Manas, which flow from the lofty Himalayas in the west to the east. They subsequently merge into the Brahmaputra River in India. The Manas River, spanning the Himalayan foothills and marking the boundary between southern Bhutan and India, boasts the distinction of being Bhutan’s longest river.
This comprehensive plan by Bhutan is expected to redefine the nation’s image in the global sphere. With a keen focus on sustainability, environmental compliance, quality investments, and infrastructural development, the Gelephu project holds the promise of heralding a new era for Bhutan and its neighboring regions.