Bhutan to build massive 'Gelephu Mindfulness City' along Assam border

Bhutan plans to build a massive “international city” in an area spanning over 1,000 sq km on its border with Assam, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced during his 116th National Day address earlier this week.

The Bhutanese king, on December 17, pitched the project Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) Project as an “economic corridor connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern States” to a packed audience of 30,000 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu, ANI News reported.

“Around two billion people live in South Asia,” King Jigme Wangchuck said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for agreeing to build the first India-Bhutan railway line to Gelephu.

According to the king, the railway line would also connect with roadways and border trading and crossing points into Assam and West Bengal, and over time, give Bhutan access to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, and Vietnam.

"We are in a unique position to reap great benefits if we seize the opportunity, make good plans, and work together diligently," said the Bhutanese King in his address.

The Gelephu SAR is set to become an autonomous economic hub, allowing it to shape essential laws and policies. The SAR aims to attract foreign investment through a favourable business environment and incentives.

It is rooted in the vision of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and aims to be a Mindfulness City, fostering conscious and sustainable businesses inspired by Bhutan's Buddhist spiritual heritage and unique identity.

According to The Bhutanese, the invitation-only approach will work as a rigorous screening process for companies and individuals coming to Gelephu to ensure alignment with Bhutanese culture and values.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City, spanning 1000 sq km, or 2,50,000 acres, represents only 2.5 per cent of Bhutan's total surface area.

According to the report, the project is anticipated to have a major positive impact on the entire nation and will require large expenditures on public infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and airports.

It is projected that the expansion of economic activity will open doors for the private sector and increase consumer demand for products and services.

All dzongkhags — the primary subdivisions of Bhutan — will profit from this in turn, especially farmers, as it will create speciality markets for a range of goods.

Additionally, it is anticipated that foreign direct investment (FDI) will increase youth employment prospects by providing access to cutting-edge technology and skills, as well as international compensation scales.