Connecting Kingdoms: The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Rail Revolution

The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line, classified as a strategic project by the Ministry of Defence, has completed its Detailed Project Report (DPR), with an estimated cost of Rs 1.31 lakh crore, the Railway Ministry informed the Lok Sabha.

Kargil MP Mohmad Haneefa stressed the importance of railway connectivity to Ladakh for defense purposes, specifically inquiring about a rail link between Ganderbal (Kashmir) and Kargil. The Ministry responded that a survey for the 480 km Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail line was conducted in 2016-17, estimating the cost at Rs 55,896 crore. However, the project was not pursued due to low traffic projections.

The 489 km Bilaspur-Manali-Leh route starts at Beri and passes through Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Sissu, Darcha, Keylong, Sarchu, Pang, Rumtse, Upshi, and Kharu before reaching Leh, connecting key towns in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It will feature 40 stations, with tunnels spanning 270 km. An official noted that the alignment crosses the Shivalik, Great Himalayan, and Zanskar ranges, with altitudes ranging from 600 to 5,300 meters above sea level.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.