Bhutan King Visits Jogighopa's International Multimodal Logistics Park Site

In a moment of strategic and diplomatic significance, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan, visited the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal and the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Assam’s Bongaigaon district. The visit marks a further deepening of India-Bhutan bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening regional trade and connectivity.

The Jogighopa IWT Terminal, which was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Bhutan’s Minister for Industries, Commerce & Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, has since become operational, ushering in a new era of inland waterway logistics in Northeast India.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised the terminal as “a noteworthy addition in our quest for improving infrastructure as well as encouraging inland waterways for progress and prosperity.”

Commenting on the Bhutanese monarch’s visit, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The presence of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk at the Jogighopa terminal and MMLP is a historic moment. These initiatives reflect the visionary goals of Prime Minister Modi’s Act East Policy, aimed at achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. The visit further cements the strong and time-tested friendship between India and Bhutan.”

Strategically positioned, the Jogighopa terminal is just 91 km from Bhutan’s Gelephu, 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati. It has been identified as a Port of Call under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT&T) between India and Bangladesh—bolstering India’s trilateral trade dynamics with its eastern neighbours. The terminal is expected to handle up to 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.

Constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 82 crore, the terminal is equipped with modern infrastructure including an RCC jetty with an Electric Level Luffing (ELL) crane system, a 1,100 sqm covered storage facility, 11,000 sqm open storage area, administrative offices, customs and immigration facilities, and truck parking with power backup—ensuring seamless cargo handling and logistics operations.

The royal visit witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, IWAI Director, senior officials from the District Administration, Inland Waterways Authority of India, and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Also Read: India-Bhutan Railway Link: The Next Big Step in Cross-Border Ties?