On Saturday, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited the Bongaigaon district in Assam to survey the near-completion of the first-ever International Multimodal Logistics Park (IMLP) in the country. The visit demonstrates Bhutan’s interest in India’s infrastructure development, as well as in increasing regional connectivity.

The King arrived at the Jogighopa Airport by helicopter and landed directly inside the MMLP area. He was welcomed by Assam Minister for Public Health and Engineering, Jayanta Malla Baruah, on behalf of the state government.

Baruah posted on social media platform X, “This morning, as per the directives of Hon’ble CM Dr @himantabiswa dangoriya, I had the honour of welcoming His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk ji, the King of Bhutan, to Assam for his visit to inspect India’s first-ever International Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), currently in its final stages of construction under the Bharatmala Project.”

During his visit, the Bhutanese King also made an inspection of the terminal for inland water transport being built along the Brahmaputra River, which is expected to help in the multimodal nature of the logistics park. The IWT is one of the most important aspects forming the foundation for the MMLP to function as a central transport hub.

Minister Baruah appreciated the initiative, stating, "I am truly overwhelmed by His Majesty’s affection towards Assam and extend my heartfelt gratitude to him for this gracious visit to our state." 

The logistics park is being built by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). After completion, it will connect road, rail, air, and water, and will therefore, allow seamless movement from one mode of transport to another. The MMLP covers an area of 317 acres on the banks of the Brahmaputra. It is expected to be a transformative development for the overall economy of Assam, assisting in trade links with neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. 

Baruah added that the MMLP ties in well with Bhutan's developmental aspirations. "The strategic proximity of Bhutan’s visionary urban development initiative – The Gelephu Mindfulness City – will also undoubtedly contribute to the success of the MMLP," he said.

Heavy security arrangements had been made for the King's visit. Indian police and Bhutanese security personnel were deployed around the logistics park to ensure that the proceedings went on smoothly. The visit was conducted with the strictest diplomatic protocols followed, restricting media presence on-site. This visit of the King showed the strengthening of strategic and economic partnership between India and Bhutan, especially given the current focus on improving cross-border infrastructure and connectivity.