The Indian government has been actively working on enhancing railway connectivity in strategic regions, and one of the most ambitious projects in this direction is the Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh railway line, which is set to provide rail access to Kargil for the first time.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, revealed the survey report for the proposed Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line, stating that the project is expected to cost ₹1.31 lakh crore.

Railway Connectivity to Kargil: A Strategic Move

Kargil has so far remained inaccessible by rail, but the government’s push for railway expansion into the Ladakh region aims to provide both strategic and economic advantages. The Minister emphasized that this railway line would significantly boost connectivity in the high-altitude terrains of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, ensuring better accessibility for civilians and military personnel alike.

Project Cost and Feasibility

During his Lok Sabha address, Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that the survey for the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line has been completed, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. The new railway project will cover a stretch of 489 km and has been identified as a "strategic railway line" by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

According to the report, the estimated cost of the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line is ₹1,31,000 crore. Given its strategic importance, this railway corridor will provide crucial logistical support to the Indian Armed Forces while also promoting tourism and trade in the Ladakh region.

Past Railway Projects in Ladakh and Kargil

While discussing the new project, Vaishnaw also referred to a previous railway initiative aimed at connecting Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh via a 480 km rail line. The survey for this project was conducted in 2016-17, and the anticipated cost was around ₹55,896 crore. However, due to low traffic projections, the government decided not to move forward with the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh railway project.

Strategic Importance and Future Plans

With the growing strategic and economic significance of Ladakh, the government is now making renewed efforts to establish rail connectivity to Kargil. The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line is expected to provide a reliable alternative to existing road networks, particularly in extreme winter conditions when road access to Ladakh and Kargil becomes challenging.

Additionally, the new railway line will help in enhancing trade, tourism, and local infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, opening up new economic opportunities for the region.

Government's Commitment to Rail Expansion

The Railway Minister reiterated the government's commitment to expanding the railway network in difficult terrains. With the completion of the survey and the finalization of the Detailed Project Report, the next step will involve budgetary approvals and phased construction of the railway line.

The ambitious Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh railway line is expected to redefine connectivity in India’s northernmost region, ensuring better transportation, military preparedness, and economic growth in Ladakh and beyond.

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