Assam Eyes Medical Tourism from Bhutan, Reviews Connectivity and Trade Ties

The Assam government is exploring ways to boost medical tourism by facilitating treatment for patients from Bhutan, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said after meeting Sandeep Arya, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan.

The discussions focused on strengthening Assam–Bhutan cooperation through better connectivity, trade and people-to-people ties. Key issues included setting up a Land Customs Station at Samrang, upgrading the Hatisar LCS to an Integrated Check Post, progress on the Bongaigaon–Gelephu railway line, and easing cross-border road movement.

Both sides also discussed education links, encouraging Bhutanese students to study in Assam, developing integrated tourist circuits, and aligning economic initiatives with Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City. The meeting concluded with a commitment to closer coordination and follow-up on agreed projects.