NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways’ proposed 489-km Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line, estimated at ₹1.31 lakh crore, includes a station at about 17,244 feet (5,256 metres) below the Tanglang La pass in Ladakh, which would make it the highest railway station in the world if built at the planned elevation.
The station would sit about 188 metres higher than China’s Tanggula station on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which holds the current record at 5,068 metres. Some reports put the planned station higher, at about 5,359 metres.
Route Through Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
The broad-gauge line will run from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh, with stations proposed at Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Keylong, Sarchu, Pang, Rumtse and Upshi. Nearly 270 km of the route would be in tunnels, reflecting the terrain, seismic risk, avalanches and sub-zero temperatures of the Himalayas.
An all-weather rail link would cut the time and cost of moving troops, fuel, equipment and supplies to Ladakh, which now depends on mountain roads, and would open up tourism and livelihoods along the route. Construction in such fragile terrain will require detailed environmental assessment.
No Timeline Yet
The Railway Ministry has completed the survey and prepared a detailed project report, but construction has not been sanctioned and no completion date has been set. The project will need major funding, detailed engineering studies and clearances before work can begin.
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