- The Gelephu “mindfulness” mega-city project, announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, will be a critical job for Bhutan’s future Prime Minister.
- This Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Special Administrative Region (SAR) project intends to alleviate economic issues and reverse youth migration trends.
About Gelephu Project
| Details | |
| Location | Gelephu, Sarpang district, Bhutan, near the border with Assam, India. |
| Announcement | On December 17, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck delivered the 116th National Day address at Changlimathang Stadium in Thimphu. |
| Project Vision | The project is envisioned as a “economic corridor” connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia through India’s northeastern states to nations such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. |
| Area and Structure | The project would span 1,000 square kilometres (250,000 acres) and will be built as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). |
| Economic and Social Goals | Aims to create an economic and social hub on Bhutan’s southern border, benefiting the entire South Asian region and addressing youth migration through local job and skilling possibilities. |
| Infrastructure Development | – Plans for Bhutan’s second international airport, which will be able to accommodate larger jets than Paro Airport..–Rail link proposed between Kokrajhar in Assam, India, and Gelephu in Bhutan. – Improved road connectivity for trade and with Southeast Asian countries. |
| Environmental and Cultural Focus | Environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity are prioritised.The goal is to attract ‘quality investment’ from internationally screened enterprises that share Bhutanese values. |
| Energy | Focus on renewable energy sources, in line with Bhutan’s environmental commitment. |
| International Collaboration | Meetings with important Indian industrialists and businesses to discuss future partnership and investment. |
| Geopolitical Significance | Strategic regional integration programme aimed at improving Bhutan’s connectivity with South and Southeast Asia. |
| Advanced Safety Features | Advanced safety and environmental measures, such as a passive decay heat removal system, are expected to be included. |
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hopes-for-gelephu-mega-project-economic-revival-dominate-voters-in-bhutan-ahead-of-january-9-elections/article67651223.ece