India to Open New Immigration Check Post in Assam for Bhutan's Gelephu City, PM Modi Announces
During a significant two-day visit to Bhutan this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a major step to enhance connectivity between the two nations. Alongside Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi confirmed that India will establish a new Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, located in Assam.
This strategic new post is designed to facilitate easier movement for investors, tourists, and visitors heading to Bhutan's ambitious upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City project. The announcement, made in a joint statement, was a key outcome of the PM Modi Bhutan visit.
This move is part of a much larger, comprehensive effort to strengthen India-Bhutan relations through robust infrastructure. The joint statement highlighted several key developments that show the deepening partnership. Both nations celebrated the recent operationalisation of another Immigration Check Post at Darranga in 2024. They also noted the importance of the new Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogigopha, which opened in March 2025.
The vision for connectivity also extends to railways. The leaders reviewed progress on landmark cross-border rail links. An MoU signed in September 2025 laid the groundwork for lines connecting Gelephu to Kokrajhar in Assam and Samtse to Banarhat in West Bengal. A dedicated steering committee is now in place to oversee these projects, further integrating the Assam Bhutan border region.
A cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, hydropower cooperation, also saw major advancements. A highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Thimphu on Tuesday. This project is a new milestone, and the electricity generated will be exported to India.
Furthermore, both leaders agreed to resume work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project, signalling a strong commitment to completing this vital project. To support Bhutan's energy goals, India also announced a substantial concessional line of credit worth Rs 40 billion.
The high-level discussions went beyond infrastructure and energy. Three important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering cooperation in renewable energy, health and traditional medicine, and a unique institutional linkage between Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat and India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
PM Modi reaffirmed India's unwavering support for Bhutan's national vision, including its 13th Five Year Plan and its ongoing Economic Stimulus Programme. The Bhutanese side expressed gratitude for India's continuous support, especially in ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential goods. This visit reinforces the special, time-tested friendship, setting a clear path for shared prosperity.
