Ladakh to host the world’s highest railway station at 17,244 feet, breaking China’s record: How the Modi government has transformed India’s railway connectivity and infrastructure

What happened: The Ministry of Defence has designated the proposed Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line as a vital project. The 489-kilometre broad-gauge line would connect Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh and include a station near Tanglang La. Key numbers: Estimated cost around Rs 1.31 lakh crore. Why it matters: The line would offer an alternate, year-round corridor to Ladakh for passengers, cargo and military logistics. The DPR and survey are complete, but construction approval and a completion date are still pending.

The Ministry of Defence has designated the proposed Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line as a vital project. The 489-kilometre broad-gauge line would connect Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh and include a station near Tanglang La.

The line would offer an alternate, year-round corridor to Ladakh for passengers, cargo and military logistics. The DPR and survey are complete, but construction approval and a completion date are still pending.