Rail links to Bhutan.

India to build two cross-border rail links to Bhutan for Rs.4,000 crores

Under the project, the two Bhutanese cities of Gelephu and Samtse would be connected with Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal.

Relationship of trust, mutual respect

The details of the project were made public by our Railway Minister. Under the two projects, 89 kms of railway lines will be laid and work is expected to be completed in the next four years. "India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding.

Big push for Bhutan's economy

* India's announcement of the railway projects have come amid efforts by China to increase its geo-strategic influence over Bhutan.

* It is crucial to have a good seamless rail connectivity for the Bhutanese economy to grow as most of the trade of Bhutan is done through Indian ports.

Rs.10K crores is India's assistance to Bhutan for its ongoing 13th Five Year Plan.

My take

A good strategic decision on our part to improve relations with our immediate neighbours.

Tailpiece.  

Got up at 5, sent all my messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the lamp in the puja room and opened up the house for the day.

Lekha made our morning cuppa after a while.

Walked and recited my prayers on the road in front of our house.

Breakfast and bath. Also, saw Indirakkutty on video call. She'll get back to normal.

Sent my September mail before lunchtime.