Bridging the Himalayas: India’s ₹1.31 Lakh Crore Railway to Leh

Set to cost approximately ₹1.31 lakh crore, the proposed 489-km Bilaspur–Manali–Leh broad-gauge railway line will significantly boost strategic and civilian connectivity to Ladakh. Designated a high-priority project by the Ministry of Defence, the route links Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh through key stations including Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Sarchu, and Kharu. With the final location survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) completed by the Railway Ministry, the project now moves toward addressing severe engineering hurdles—including high altitudes, extreme weather, complex Himalayan geology, and nearly 270 km of planned tunnels.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.