India to Build World's Highest Railway Station on Bilaspur-Leh Line
India plans to build the world's highest railway station at 5,256 meters on the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line, surpassing China's record.
India is advancing plans for a landmark infrastructure project that includes the construction of the world's highest railway station. Situated at an altitude of approximately 5,256 meters beneath the Tanglang La pass, this station is set to surpass China’s Tanggula railway station, which sits at roughly 5,068 meters, to establish a new global record.
A Strategic 489-Kilometer Corridor
The project involves the development of a 489-kilometer broad-gauge corridor designed to connect Bilaspur to Leh. This ambitious line is intended to provide critical all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region, traversing through the rugged landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The planned alignment will pass through several key locations, including:
- Bilaspur and Sundernagar
- Mandi and Manali
- Sissu and Koksar
- Keylong and Darcha
- Sarchu and Pang
- Rumtse, Upshi, and Kharu
- Leh
To further extend the reach of the network, the strategic plan also includes a 13-kilometer extension from Leh to Sasharthang.
Engineering Marvel and National Security
Building a railway at such extreme altitudes presents immense technical challenges. The project will require the construction of approximately 270 kilometers of tunnels, meaning that more than half of the total route length will be underground to navigate the complex terrain.
The Ministry of Defence has classified this rail line as a strategic necessity. Beyond its potential to promote regional tourism, the corridor is intended to bolster national security by facilitating the rapid movement of troops and essential military supplies to the border regions.
Financial Scale and Major Hurdles
The estimated cost for this massive venture stands at approximately Rs 1.31 lakh crore. However, the project faces significant geological and administrative obstacles. Engineers must contend with extreme conditions, including geological instability related to permafrost and other cryospheric challenges.
Administrative hurdles have also emerged. In October 2026, the Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed the preliminary land acquisition notification for the project, citing the government’s failure to comply with statutory requirements regarding the extension of the land acquisition declaration deadline. While the survey has been finalized and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, the project has not yet secured formal construction approval.