Bhutan king visits Jogighopa logistics park

Guwahati: Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk conducted an inspection of India's advanced International Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Jogighopa, Bongaigaon district, on Saturday. He also assessed the adjoining IWT terminal to evaluate its operational capabilities and technical specifications as a crucial export point for Bhutanese cargo to international markets, according to officials.

On social media platform ‘X', chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "A very warm welcome to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, to Assam. The Jogighopa MMLP will be a game-changer for the larger Indo-Bhutan region and ensure seamless trade and logistics movement. It will also aid in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. His Majesty's visit underscores the shared interests and close ties between the State of Assam and Bhutan for a better future for our people."

As Sarma was in New Delhi on Saturday, Assam minister Jayanta Mallabaruah received the Bhutanese monarch. Mallabaruah said the proximity of Bhutan's urban development project, The Gelephu Mindfulness City, would contribute significantly to the MMLP's success.

The IWT Terminal at Jogighopa commenced cargo operations following its inauguration on Feb 18 by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Bhutan's minister Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji.

Regarding the royal visit, Sonowal said, "It is a historic moment when the King of Bhutan, His Excellency Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk ji visited the recently inaugurated IWT Jogighopa terminal as well as the Jogighopa Multi Modal Logistical Park (MMLP). Both the projects are aligned with the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji's Act East policy for inclusive growth and sustainable development. This visit further deepens the long-standing friendship, trust, and shared prosperity for both India and Bhutan."

The terminal's position, situated 91 km from Gelephu, 108 km from Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati, enhances India's commercial connections with Bangladesh and Bhutan. The facility is recognised as a port of call under PIWTT between India and Bangladesh, with projections to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.

The Rs 82 crore terminal features an RCC jetty with an electric level luffing crane approach for cargo operations. On ‘X', Mallabaruah said, "Constructed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), this park will seamlessly integrate road, rail, air, and waterways upon completion. Spread across 317 acres on the banks of the Brahmaputra, this project will unlock immense economic potential for our state by facilitating trade with neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh."