Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway Project Survey Gains Momentum
Survey work intensifies for the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway Project, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
The ambitious Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway Project is moving from the planning stages to active ground implementation. Survey and ground marking activities for the massive 489-km broad-gauge line have intensified, marking a significant milestone in the development of this strategic corridor.
Teams are currently engaged in marking the alignment and installing survey pillars at key locations, including Takoli in Mandi and Kahudar.
A Strategic Lifeline for Ladakh
This project is a high-priority initiative identified by the Ministry of Defence. Its primary purpose is to provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region, ensuring that military logistics and essential supplies can move even during the harsh winter months when road and air access are frequently obstructed.
Engineering Marvels and World Records
The construction of this corridor presents unprecedented engineering challenges. To navigate the rugged terrain, the design includes:
- 62 tunnels covering approximately 270 km of the route.
- 116 bridges to span the mountainous landscape.
One of the most remarkable features is a proposed station near the Tanglang La pass. Situated at an altitude of roughly 5,256 meters (17,244 feet), this station would become the highest railway station in the world, surpassing China's Tanggula station.
Planned Route and Key Stations
The proposed alignment connects Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh. The route is expected to feature several key stations, including:
- Sundernagar, Mandi, and Manali
- Sissu, Darcha, and Keylong
- Sarchu, Pang, Rumtse, Upshi, and Kharu
Furthermore, the project includes a 13-km extension to Sasharthang.
High Costs and Legal Hurdles
Despite the technical progress, the project faces significant obstacles. The estimated cost is approximately Rs 1.31 lakh crore. While the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, the project is still awaiting final construction approval.
Legal challenges have also surfaced. In October 2026, the Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed the preliminary land acquisition notification, citing a failure to meet statutory requirements regarding the timeline for the declaration.