Bhutan is preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a two-day visit aimed at deepening bilateral economic cooperation through major energy and connectivity initiatives, according to a report by Bhutan Live.

Although India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet officially announced the visit, it is expected to coincide with the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s former King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the revered Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the report noted.

A key highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project, a 1,020 MW joint venture between India and Bhutan, co-financed through Indian grants and concessional loans. The project is projected to nearly double Bhutan’s power generation capacity, with clean energy exports to India expected to significantly enhance Bhutan’s revenue.

During his visit, PM Modi is also likely to review progress on two cross-border railway projects jointly developed by India and Bhutan — the Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse lines — which aim to improve regional connectivity and economic integration.

The Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway, linking Assam to southern Bhutan, will include six stations and over 90 bridges, with a budget exceeding Nu 4,000 crore. It is expected to be completed within four years. The terminus, Gelephu, is the focal point of Bhutan’s visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City, an upcoming economic and spiritual hub conceptualised by His Majesty The King.

The Banarhat–Samtse line, connecting West Bengal to Bhutan’s industrial southwest, will primarily serve freight movement, supporting industrial clusters in Samtse district and facilitating the export of minerals such as quartzite, dolomite, and ferro-silicon.

India continues to be Bhutan’s largest development partner, extending sustained assistance across successive Five Year Plans. Under Bhutan’s current 13th Plan (2024–29), India has pledged Nu 10,000 crore in support of infrastructure and community development initiatives.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has already visited New Delhi twice this year, underscoring the close cooperation and shared vision between the two nations to further strengthen their historic partnership.