Indian Railways are planning to build the world’s highest railway line of the world on Bilaspur-Manali-Leh route, which is expected to be completed in 2022. This 498 km long railway line will include 74 tunnels, 124 major bridges, and 396 minor bridges, according to the first phase of the survey done for the project.
Not just that this striking railway line will pass through the Shivaliks, Himalayas and Zanskar range and four mountain passes of Rohtang La, Barlacha La, Lachung La, and Tangla La, thus reducing the travel time from Delhi to half.
This proposed project will have the highest road point, which is only comparable to Qinghai-Tibet line in China and enroute will connect other important locations between Bilaspur and Leh, such as Sundernagar, Manali, Keylong, Mandi Koksar, Upshi, Darcha, and Karu.
Whereas in Bilaspur, the line will commence at the elevation of 500 meters and will culminate in Leh. The highest point on the route will be Tanglangla Pass which is at 5360 meters.
Also, near Sino-India border, there will be a 27 km long tunnel with Keylong station inside- making it the first station inside a tunnel of Indian Railways network.
According to the officials, “The line is strategically important and will provide all-weather surface connectivity to far-flung areas of Ladakh region. It will also boost tourist inflow, which will be beneficial for the local population. Travel time will reduce by half, the rail project will be executed in a way that it need not close during extreme weather.”
The countdown has begun and soon travelers can travel to Leh by train any time of the year and to many other places in the Himalayas. So keep your fingers crossed.
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