• Source:JND
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Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway Line: The Indian Railways is poised to reach near the Chinese border by spreading tracks to the rugged Himalayan peaks. Preparations have begun to implement the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line, the country's most strategically important. The Railway Board has submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry of Defence.

Railway Project Will Provide Transport To Army Throughout The Year

This ambitious project, worth Rs 1.31 lakh crore, will not only transform the fate of Himachal and Ladakh but will also significantly enhance the Indian Army's strength on the border. It will eliminate the limitations posed by snowfall and weather, making it possible to reach Leh at any time of the year. This will reduce the journey time from Delhi to Leh from 40 hours to 20 hours. Northern Railway has completed the final site survey for the railway project.

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Key Rail Project To Counter China's Railway Network Near Ladakh

The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line project holds strategic importance as it is seen a counter to China's infra push near Ladakh. China's rail line connects Hotan to Lhasa via Shigatse in Tibet, passes through or near Aksai Chin and runs close to the LAC in the western sector, within 20-100 km of sensitive areas of Eastern Ladakh.

100 Kilometres Per Hour Speed

The railway line has been assessed as strategic in nature. The Ministry of Defence will now make the final decision. According to the Northern Railway's final survey, this 489-kilometre railway line will be a testament to modern engineering. 270 kilometres (55 per cent) of the project will be through tunnels, including 62 tunnels and 116 major bridges. According to the proposed design, trains will run at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on the line.

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Track To Stretch At An Altitude Of 15,000 Feet Above Sea Level

There will be 40 stations from Bilaspur to Leh. The track, stretching at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet above sea level, will be the world's highest railway network. The train will travel through high-altitude regions where oxygen is scarce, so its coaches will not be standard. For passenger safety, the coaches will be pressurised cabins, similar to aeroplanes, to maintain stable air pressure and oxygen levels.

A High-Tech Heating System

The train will also be equipped with a high-tech heating system to protect against sub-zero temperatures. Tengla will become the world's highest station. The Tengla station on this railway line will be built at an altitude of 5,359 meters above sea level. It will be the world's highest railway station. Once this project is completed, India will set a global record. State-of-the-art LiDAR survey and ground survey work for the project have been completed.

"The DPR for the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line has been submitted to the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry will now take a decision on this," said Chakrapani Pandey, Deputy Chief Engineer (Survey and Construction), Northern Railway.
(With Jagran.com inputs)


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