India’s Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line could feature the world’s highest railway station at 17,582 feet above sea level. The proposed station near Tenglang La in Ladakh could surpass the existing record held by China’s Tanggula station in Tibet.
The proposed station would stand at approximately 5,359 metres. Meanwhile, Tanggula station currently holds the global record at 5,068 metres, or 16,627 feet, according to Guinness World Records.
Consequently, the Indian project could establish a new benchmark for high-altitude railway engineering. The proposed corridor would span 489 kilometres through challenging Himalayan terrain.
Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line to cross 270 km of tunnels
The railway corridor would connect Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh with Leh in Ladakh. Its proposed route includes Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Keylong, Sarchu and Upshi.
The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 1.31 lakh crore. However, its difficult terrain presents significant engineering challenges.
Around 270 kilometres of the proposed 489-kilometre route would pass through tunnels. This represents more than half the corridor’s total length.
The project would also include 62 tunnels and 116 bridges. Additionally, Keylong would feature India’s first underground railway station.
Strategic railway project awaits construction approval
The Ministry of Defence has identified the railway line as strategically significant. The corridor aims to strengthen military logistics and improve connectivity to remote areas of Ladakh.
Furthermore, the railway could provide an alternative transport link to the region throughout the year. This would reduce dependence on road routes that face seasonal accessibility challenges.
Survey work has been completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared, according to the Union government. However, the project still awaits formal approval for construction.
The approval process requires consultations with multiple stakeholders. It also involves clearances from institutions including NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance.
Bhanupali-Bilaspur section under construction
The Bhanupali-Bilaspur section forms the first phase of the broader railway corridor. Construction work is already underway, with completion expected by 2027.
Once completed, the wider railway project could support tourism and economic activity across Lahaul-Spiti, Zanskar and Leh. Moreover, improved connectivity could strengthen access to essential supplies.
Ladakh currently faces seasonal transportation constraints, particularly during winter. These disruptions can affect the availability and prices of essential commodities.
The proposed railway could therefore provide benefits beyond strategic mobility. However, its wider economic impact will depend on construction approval, implementation timelines and the completion of the full corridor.
