Strategic Leap: The Ambitious Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway Plan

The government announced a new railway line connecting Bilaspur, Manali, and Leh, expected to cost Rs 1,31,000 crore. Identified as a strategic project by the Ministry of Defence, the engineering feat aims to enhance connectivity to Kargil. A previous plan linking Srinagar couldn't proceed due to low traffic forecasts.

The Indian government has unveiled a colossal infrastructure project with the announcement of the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line, pegged at an estimated cost of Rs 1,31,000 crore. This ambitious venture aims to improve connectivity to the remote Kargil region, enhancing the strategic reach in Ladakh.

During a parliamentary session, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that a Detailed Project Report for the initiative has been prepared. Recognized as a strategic line by the Ministry of Defence, this 489 km long line represents a significant undertaking in the nation's railway expansion plans.

The minister also referenced the earlier Srinagar-Kargil-Leh project, which was shelved due to low traffic projections and thus was not pursued further despite its proposed cost was Rs 55,896 crore. This new project, however, holds strategic importance for the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)