World record project worth Rs 1.31 lakh crore; Indian Railways set to create history

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is moving ahead with a plan to construct the world's highest railway station. Once the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line—which traverses the Himalayan mountain ranges—becomes a reality, India will secure the distinction of hosting the world's highest railway station.

The plan involves building a station at Tanglang La in Ladakh, at an altitude of 17,244 feet above sea level. The 489-kilometre-long railway line is estimated to cost approximately Rs 1.31 lakh crore. The Ministry of Railways completed the survey and also prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

However, final approval for construction has not been granted yet. Another notable feature of the project is the number of tunnels; 55 per cent of the entire railway line—covering a distance of approximately 270 kilometres—will pass through tunnels.

The railway station will be constructed below the Tanglang La, a major mountain pass on the Manali-Leh National Highway. The station will be situated at an altitude of 5,359 meters—or 17,244 feet—above sea level. Currently, the world's highest railway station is Tanggula in China, which is located at an elevation of approximately 5,068 meters above sea level. If the Tanglang La station becomes a reality, India will be able to surpass China's record by a margin of 188 meters.