Bilaspur–Leh line


Bilaspur–Leh line is a proposed high-elevation all-weather broad gauge railway
track that is planned to connect Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh union territory of India. It would either link to the Indian railway network via an extension of the Kangra Valley Railway to Mandi or via railway line to Bilaspur from Kalka.
The total expected length of Bilaspur–Leh line is. It would become the highest railway track in the world, overtaking the current record of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway. The Railway Budget 2011-2012 announced that the project would be taken up in the next year's budget. The next year's Railway Budget announced that the project was sent to the Planning Commission for appraisal. As of September 2016, Northern Railways has begun the process of acquiring land for setting up office in Leh.

History

The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh asked the Government of India to extend railway connectivity from Bilaspur to Leh through Mandi, Manali and Keylong. This would increase tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh and facilitate quicker movement of troops and equipment. Following an examination of the feasibility report for the proposed Bilaspur–Leh line, the Union Railway Ministry of India forwarded the recommendation to the Planning Commission of India for its approval. The survey for the project had been done and presently it is seeking approval of the planning commission of India and while railway minister assured about early clearance of this project.

Strategic importance

Once this railway line is completed, Leh will be directly connected to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of India by railway. The distance between Bilaspur and Leh will be about. When the railway lines to Bilaspur and then to Leh are completed, the time taken to reach Leh from Delhi will be reduced to less than two days compared to about four days by the existing highway from Manali. Personnel and equipment will be transported more easily to Leh, a strategic military base. This is one of the four important railway connectivity along China border identified by the Defence Ministry.
Post Galwan clash with China, The Government of India expedited the land acquisition for the project.

Challenges

After Jammu–Baramulla line, Bilaspur–Leh line will be the most challenging railway project in Indian Railways due to high mountains, a large number of tunnels and high bridges and severe cold weather. According to the survey report, cost of construction of this long all weather broad gauge railway line has been calculated at ₹83,360 crore with a negative rate of return of 4.46%.

Progress

The Bilaspur–Leh rail project has been expedited and the Final Location Survey for this is been undertaken at a cost of ₹345 crore. The railway had requested the LAHDC to provide adequate land for setting up a camp office, and the required infrastructure. In April 2017, the Government said that the Final location Survey for these will be completed by the October 2020. In June 2017, foundation stone was laid for final location survey by then Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Taglang La railway station

Taglang La railway station at Taglang La is expected to become the highest railway station in the world at above the sea level overtaking the current record of Tanggula railway station in Qinghai, China at.