Himachal’s Bilaspur to get connected to Leh via Manali

This is touted as one of the most ambitious rail projects in the world, and a new high for IRCTC. The Indian Railways’ proposal will bring in place a broad gauge railway track that will all-weather even at perilous altitudes. The projected length of this weather line is 498 km, and it would be an extension of the Kangra Valley Railway that will also see a change to broad gauge.

Once the proposed Bilsapur - Manali - Leh railway line is in place, it would also be the highest railway track in the world. Currently, China’s Qinghai-Tibet railway holds the same record to its name. It will also lead to the making of Taglang La Railway Station, the highest in the world.
Read more: A train to Delhi from Leh

Apart from easing the trip for travellers, the proposed railway line is also deemed to be of massive strategic importance. It will ease up the movement of troops and defence equipment to Ladakh in a faster, more effective manner all around the year. It has to be noted that the rail line will be quite close to the Indo-China border and will strengthen India’s military position in the region.

The Bilaspur - Manali - Leh highway is also expected to cut down travel time from Delhi to Leh to just 20 hours as compared to 40 hours that it takes for the journey currently. The said project’s estimated cost is pegged at INR 22318 crores. The project is a collaboration between the Indian Railways and Defence Ministry.
It is estimated that the train coaches on the line will come equipped with facilities including oxygen masks, to let passengers cope with high-altitude travel.

*Photos used in the story are representative.