Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gelephu Mega-City Project
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Gelephu “mindfulness” mega-city project, announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is set to be a pivotal task for Bhutan’s future PM.
- This Special Administrative Region (SAR) project in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) aims to address economic challenges and reverse youth migration trends.
About Gelephu Project
| Details | |
| Location | Gelephu, Sarpang district, Bhutan, near the border with Assam, India. |
| Announcement | Made by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during the 116th National Day address at Changlimathang Stadium, Thimphu on December 17. |
| Project Vision | Envisioned as an “economic corridor” connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern states to countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. |
| Area and Structure | The project will cover an area of 1,000 sq km (250,000 acres) and will be developed as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). |
| Economic and Social Goals | Aims to be an economic and social hub on Bhutan’s southern border, designed to benefit the entire South Asian region and address youth migration by providing local employment and skilling opportunities. |
| Infrastructure Development | – Plans for Bhutan’s second international airport capable of landing larger planes than Paro Airport.
– Proposed rail link between Kokrajhar in Assam, India, and Gelephu, Bhutan. – Enhanced road connectivity for trade and connectivity with Southeast Asian countries. |
| Environmental and Cultural Focus | Emphasizes environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity.
Aims to attract ‘quality investment’ from internationally screened companies that align with Bhutanese values. |
| Energy | Focus on renewable energy sources, aligning with Bhutan’s commitment to environmental sustainability. |
| International Collaboration | Engagements with prominent Indian industrialists and companies for potential collaboration and investment. |
| Geopolitical Significance | Strategic initiative for regional integration, enhancing Bhutan’s connectivity with South and Southeast Asia. |
| Advanced Safety Features | Expected to incorporate advanced safety and environmental features, including a passive decay heat removal system. |
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