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2026-05-04T17:32:18Z

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{{Short description|Proposed high elevation railway track in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width =
| name = Bhanupli–Leh line
| color =
| logo =
| logo_width = 100px
| logo_alt = Indian Railways
| image =
| image_width =
| image_alt =
| caption =
| type =
| system =
| status = * Final Location Survey & DPR completed
* Land acquisition in progress
* Bhanupli-Bilaspur section under construction
| locale = [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Ladakh]], [[India]]
| start = Bhanupli, Punjab<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indiarailinfo.com/station/timeline/edits-bhanupli-bnly/7819 | title=Bhanupli Railway Station Timeline - Railway Enquiry }}</ref>
| end = [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]]
| stations =
| routes = Bhanupli–[[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]]–[[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Sundernagar]]–[[Kullu]]–[[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]–[[Keylong]]–[[Leh]]
| linelength_km = 489
| linelength_mi =
| linelength =
| tracklength_km = 489
| tracklength_mi =
| tracklength =
| tracks =
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}}
| old_gauge =
| load_gauge =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_ft =
| elevation = {{convert|5359|m|ft|abbr=on}} at [[Taglang La]]
| electrification = In Progress
| website = http://www.indianrailways.gov.in
| map = {{Bhanupli–Leh line}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}

The '''Bhanupli–Leh line''', including {{convert|63.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} long Bhanupli-Barmana (Bilaspur) link<ref name="p3" /> and the {{convert|489|km|mi|abbr=on}} long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh link,<ref name="abn1">{{Cite web |date=2023-07-29 |title=New Rail Lines for Leh-Pathankot, Leh-Kargil-Srinagar Shelved Due to Low Traffic Projections |url=https://www.news18.com/india/new-rail-lines-for-leh-pathankot-leh-kargil-srinagar-shelved-due-to-low-traffic-projections-railways-8448973.html |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=bilr1/> is an under-construction {{convert|552.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} long {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}} wide [[Broad-gauge railway|broad-gauge]] all-weather [[Railway electrification|electrified railway track]] connecting Bhanupli in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Bhanupli Railway Station Timeline - Railway Enquiry |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/station/timeline/edits-bhanupli-bnly/7819}}</ref> to [[Leh]] in [[Ladakh]].<ref name="p3" /><ref name="nvonews1">{{cite web |date=2009-09-19 |title=Himachal: Railways Awards Bhanupali-Bilaspur Railway Line Project |url=http://nvonews.com/2009/09/19/himachal-railways-awards-bhanupali-bilaspur-railway-line-project/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407105525/http://nvonews.com/2009/09/19/himachal-railways-awards-bhanupali-bilaspur-railway-line-project/ |archive-date=7 April 2012 |access-date=2012-04-02 |publisher=Nvonews.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="visitladakh1">{{cite web |title=Rail link to Leh: Centre seeks Plan panel nod. |url=http://www.visitladakh.com/news/142-rail-link-to-leh-centre-seeks-plan-panel-nod.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312152126/http://www.visitladakh.com/news/142-rail-link-to-leh-centre-seeks-plan-panel-nod.html |archive-date=12 March 2012 |access-date=2012-04-02 |publisher=visitladakh.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Passing through [[Earthquake zones of India|seismic zone IV and V]] at an elevation of {{Convert|600|m|ft|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|5,360|m|ft|abbr=on}} above [[sea level]], this geostrategically important track will reduce travel time from [[New Delhi]] to Leh to 10 hours,<ref name=abn1/><ref name=bilr1>{{cite news |title=Leh? Soon, It'll Be Just a Train Ride Away |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/69101/the-worlds-highest-railway-line-will-connect-delhi-to-leh-in-10-hours |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101032353/https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/69101/the-worlds-highest-railway-line-will-connect-delhi-to-leh-in-10-hours |archive-date=1 November 2018 |access-date=31 October 2018 |newspaper=Outlook Traveller}}</ref> which takes 25–40 hours by road.

== Significance ==
{{anchor | Details | Features | Significance }}

The Bhanupali–Leh line (also referred to as the Bilaspur–Manali–Leh line) is a high-altitude, strategic railway project currently under construction in [[India]]. Upon completion, it will connect the plains of [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]] to the union territory of [[Ladakh]]. The line is widely regarded as one of the most challenging engineering feats in the history of global rail transport due to its extreme topography and high-altitude logistics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dutta |first1=S. |title=Bhanupali-Leh Rail Project: A feat of engineering at world's highest peaks |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com |work=The Times of India |date=2023-06-12}}</ref> After the [[Jammu–Baramulla line]], the Bhanupli–Leh line will be the most challenging railway project in [[Indian Railways]] due to high mountains, a large number of tunnels, high bridges, and severe cold weather.<ref name=abn1/>

===Geostrategic===
[[File:Indian K9 SPH at Ladakh during Indo-China Clashes .jpg|thumb|Indian [[K9 Thunder|Howitzer K9]] self-propelled artillery at Ladakh during [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes]].]]

* [[National_Security_Council_(India)#Strategic_Policy_Group|National security]]: The line's primary significance lies in its strategic utility for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. Ladakh shares sensitive borders with both [[China]] and [[Pakistan]], and the current road access via the [[Leh–Manali Highway]] and [[Srinagar–Leh Highway]] is frequently blocked for six months a year due to heavy snowfall at passes like [[Rohtang Pass|Rohtang]] and [[Zoji La]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Strategic Rail Link to Leh: Why it matters for India's border security |url=https://www.ndtv.com |work=NDTV |date=2024-01-05}}</ref>

* [[Army Service Corps (India)|Indian military logistics]]: Five stations along the route - in Lahaul in Himachal; and [[Karu, Ladakh|Karu]], Leh, and Sesharthang in Ladakh - feature specialized [[Circle route|railway loop lines]] designed for military troop and equipment movement.<ref>{{cite press release |agency=Press Information Bureau |title=Strategic Railway Lines in Border Areas |url=https://pib.gov.in |date=2022-12-14}}</ref><ref name=p3/>

* [[Tourism_in_Ladakh#Tourist_roads|All-Weather connectivity]]: The rail link is designed to provide year-round logistics support, enabling the rapid deployment of troops and heavy equipment to the [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC) regardless of weather conditions.

===Socioeconomic===
[[File:The_9_Stupas.jpg|thumb|9 Stupas at [[Thikse Monastery]].]]

Beyond its military utility, the line is expected to transform the economy of the [[Lahaul and Spiti district]] and Ladakh:

* [[Tourism_in_Ladakh|Tourism expansion]]: By providing a safer and more reliable alternative to the treacherous mountain roads, the railway is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals to [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]], [[Keylong]], and [[Leh]].

* Agricultural access: Local farmers in the Lahaul and Indus valleys will gain direct access to mainland Indian markets for the export of high-value crops like apples, apricots, and buckwheat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Economic windfall expected for Ladakh with Bhanupali-Leh rail link |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com |work=The Tribune |date=2025-05-10}}</ref>

* Price stability: All-weather connectivity will help stabilize the prices of essential commodities in Ladakh, which currently skyrocket during the winter months due to the "landlocked" nature of the region.

===Engineering===
[[File:Kashmir_top.jpg|thumb|The rail line passes through (western part of the picture) [[Geology of the Himalayas|geologically-fragile]] high-altitude [[Alpine climate|alpine]] terrain.]]
[[File:Tanglanglapass.jpg|thumb|[[Taglang La]], and [[List of mountain passes of India|many other high-altitude mountain passes]] enroute this line offer several engineering challenges.]]

The project is set to break several global engineering records:

* [[List of highest railways|World's highest railway]]: The station at Tengla (near [[Taglang La]]) is projected to be the highest in the world at an altitude of approximately 5,359 metres (17,582 ft), surpassing the current record held by the [[Tanggula railway station]] in [[Tibet]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India's Leh rail link to be higher than China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway |url=https://www.livemint.com |work=Mint |date=2023-08-19}}</ref>

* [[Underground construction|Subterranean infrastructure]]: Approximately 50% of the 489 km route will be underground. This includes Keylong railway station, which is designed to be India's first station built entirely inside a tunnel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=A. |title=Keylong to get India's first station inside a tunnel |url=https://indianexpress.com |work=The Indian Express |date=2021-03-22}}</ref>

* Tunnels and [[viaduct]]s: The line includes 27 km of continuous tunneling and numerous high-altitude viaducts to bridge deep Himalayan gorges.

* Environmental and geological challenges: The project faces scrutiny regarding its environmental footprint in the fragile [[Himalayas]]. The route passes through high-seismic zones and areas prone to [[flash flood]]s and [[landslide]]s. Construction requires advanced seismic bracing and specialized drainage systems to mitigate the risk of tunnel collapses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Krishnan |first1=M. |title=The Environmental Cost of Himalayan Infrastructure |url=https://www.thehindu.com |work=The Hindu |date=2024-02-14}}</ref>

== Details ==

===Route===

The project has 42 new stations, including 5 between Bhaupali to Barmana (Bilaspur) and 37 stations from Bilaspur to Leh and Sarthang.<ref name="p2"/><ref name=featup1/>

* Punjab
** [[Rupnagar district]]
*** Bhanupali (existing station)<ref name="p2"/> (300m) of [[Ambala City railway station|Ambala]]-[[Sirhind railway station|Sirhind]]-[[Una Himachal railway station|Una]] rail line connects this line to the vast mainland [[Indian Railways|Indian railway network]].<ref name="p3" />
*** Thural<ref name="p2"/> (650m)

[[File:Sagarview.jpg|thumb|[[Gobind Sagar]] Reservoir in Bilaspur formed by the [[Bhakra Dam]] on the [[Sutlej]] river.]]
* [[Himachal Pradesh]]
** [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur district]]
*** [[Dharot]]<ref name="p2"/> (660m)
*** [[Jagatkhana]]<ref name="p2"/> (685m)
*** [[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]]<ref name="p2"/> (670m), the town is near the [[Gobind Sagar]] Reservoir.

*** [[Barmana]]<ref name="p2"/> (~620m)

** [[Mandi district]]
[[File:Sundar Nagar Lake.jpg|thumb|Sundar Nagar Lake at Sundar Nagar as part of the [[Beas River|Beas]]-Sutlej River Link project.]]
*** [[Sundar Nagar]] (~1,174m)<ref name=featup1/>, literally means "Beautiful Town" famous for the Sundar Nagar Lake.

*** [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Mandi]]<ref name=featup1/> (~754m), line descends into the valley here before the major ascent. Mandi, on the banks of the Beas River, is also called the "''[[Varanasi]]'' of the Hills" due to its 81 ancient stone temples most of which are dedicated to Lord [[Shiva]] and hosts the world-famous week-long [[Mandi Shivaratri Fair|Mandi International Shivratri Fair]] where over 200 deities from surrounding valleys are brought to the town in grand processions.

*** [[Pandoh]] (~860m), home of touristic scenic green [[Pandoh Dam]] nestled between steep hills on the Beas River that diverts water to the Sutlej River for power generation.

*** [[Aut, Mandi|Aut]] (~900m), famous for the nearly 3 km long Aut Road Tunnel and acts as the critical gateway where travelers branch off to the serene [[Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary|Tirthan Valley Wildlife Sanctuary]] and the [[Great Himalayan National Park]] (GHNP).

[[File:Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh.jpg|thumb|[[Khirganga National Park]] with the thrillingly bautiful [[hairpin turn]] road in the [[Parvati River (Himachal Pradesh)|Parvati River Valley]] near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.]]
*** [[Bhuntar]] (~1,219m), serves [[Kullu]] as the site of the [[Kullu-Manali Airport]], is also the confluence of [[Parvati River (Himachal Pradesh)|Parvati]] and Beas rivers. Bhuntar is the gateway to the touristic [[Parvati Valley]] which nestles the [[Kasol]], [[Manikaran]], and [[Khirganga National Park]].

*** [[Naggar, Himachal Pradesh|Naggar]] (~1,760m), famous for the [[Nicholas Roerich]] Art Gallery (of the famous Russian painter and explorer who lived here) and the [[Naggar Castle]] (a stunning example of regional wood-and-stone [[Kath kuni architecture]]) which served as the capital of the [[Early_history_of_Himachal_Pradesh|Kuluta Kingdom]] for centuries.

** [[Lahaul and Spiti district]]
*** [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]<ref name=featup1/> (~2,050m), the popular [[hill station]] and tourism hub famous for the 16th-century [[Hidimba Devi Temple|Hidimba Devi Cave Temple]], [[Solang Valley]], and as the [[Tourism_in_Himachal_Pradesh#Adventure_tourism|Adventure Capital]] for skiing, paragliding, and rafting.

*** [[Rohtang Pass]] Halt (~3,100m), famous for the road [[Atal Tunnel]].

[[File:Koksar_Himachal_Pradesh.jpg|thumb|[[Koksar]], floating in the clouds, on the [[Chenab River|Chandra River]] in Himachal Pradesh.]]
*** [[Koksar]]<ref name=featup1/> (~3,140m), historically famous as the coldest inhabited place in Lahaul as an ancient trade stop on the route to Tibet.

*** [[Sissu]] (~3,120m), with loop line siding for military logistics,<ref name=p3/> Famous for the [[Sissu Falls|Sissu Waterfall]] (locally called ''Palden Lhamo'') which is photographer's favorite in autumn due to the bright gold hues.

*** [[Tandi]] (~2,850m), sacred [[confluence]] (''sangam'') of "Chandra" (daughter of the Moon) and "Bhaga" (son of the Sun) rivers which met here to perform their eternal marriage to form the [[Chenab River]].

[[File:View from Shashur Monastery , Keylong.jpg|thumb|View of the [[Chenab River|Bhaga Valley]] and hairpin turn road from the [[Shashur Monastery]] in Keylong.]]
*** [[Keylong]] (underground station)<ref name=featup1/> (~3,000m), India's first underground station built inside a tunnel, famous for [[Kardang Monastery]].

*** [[Jispa]] (~3,200m), a riverside retreat famous for its stunning location right on the banks of the Bhaga River.

*** [[Darcha]]<ref name=featup1/> (~3,360m), the starting point for the famous [[Chadar trek]] and the [[Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road]] fork from NH3.

[[File:Baralacha La towards Leh Jul19 D72 10848.jpg|thumb|The [[Alpine_tundra|alpine]] view from the [[Bara-lacha la|Baralacha La]] towards Leh.]]
*** [[Bara-lacha la]] (~4,890m), the rail line in Himachal Pradesh from here starts to ascend in the following section climbing through the [[Great Himalayas]] range and [[Transhimalaya]]'s [[Zanskar range]] toward the Ladakh border. This pass is the source of both the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.

*** [[Sarchu]] (~4,290m), famous as the border point between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, is a desolate windswept plateau filled with tourist tent camps with freezing night temperatures.

* Ladakh
** [[Leh district]]

[[File:Lachulungla.JPG|thumb|Lungalacha La with dramatic yellowish-golden hued and [[Geological formation|needle-like jagged]] pillar [[List of rock formations|rock formations]].]]
*** [[Lungalacha La]] (~5,060m, also called Lachalungla), a mountain pass just north of Himachal-Ladakh border famous for its dramatic yellowish-golden hue and needle-like jagged rock pillar formations (unlike the grey and brown peaks elsewhere) offering the "Double Pass Challenge" (second of the twin-passes along with Nakee La) with thin air as the first place where travelers from Manali to Leh feel the true effects of [[Altitude sickness|Acute Mountain Sickness]] (AMS) due to the rapid ascent from Sarchu.

[[File:Desert_View_Near_Pang_Ladakh-5.jpg|thumb|Pang with [[Selenography|moon-like desert]] landscape.]]
*** [[Pang, Ladakh|Pang]] (~4,600m), gateway to the high-altitude [[More plains]] desert plateau with moonscape.

*** [[Debring]] (~4,570m), with loop line siding for military logistics,<ref name=p3/> is gateway to the stunning [[Tso Kar]] (White Lake) famous for its [[Salt Valley]] and rare birdlife like the [[Black-necked crane]].

*** [[Taglang La]] (also called "Tengla", 5,359 metres), will have Tengla Railway Station, which will be world's highest railway station.<ref name=tengla1>[https://news24online.com/photos/india/worlds-highest-railway-station-to-be-built-in-india-project-near-china-border-draws-attention-its-name-is-770317/worlds-highest-railway-station-7703174/ World’s highest railway station to be built in India, Project near China border draws attention, its name is...], News24, 9 Mar 2026.</ref> the line crosses the pass and starts descending toward the [[Indus River|Indus River Valley]] and Leh. It has about 50% of the oxygen found at sea level.

*** [[Rumtse]] (~4,260m), the home of nomadic [[Changpa]] people and wildlife (Tibetan Wild Ass [[Kiang]] and [[Snow leopard]]) is famous for 108 white-washed [[stupa]]s with barren reddish mountains as backdrop, and also serves as the base and starting point for the famous Rumtse to [[Tso Moriri]] trek in [[Rupshu]] plateau with dramatic "moonscape" scenery.

[[File:Upshi_(village).jpg|thumb|Upshi road junction along the Indus river.]]
*** [[Upshi]]<ref name=featup1/> (~3,380m), the line enters into the Indus Valley and turns left to run along the Indus River. It is the critical point where the [[Leh–Manali Highway]] ([[National Highway 3 (India)|NH3]]) meets the roads leading to the remote eastern regions of Tso Moriri and [[Mudh-Nyoma Air Force Station]]-[[Hanle (village)|Hanle]]-[[Nyoma]]-[[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] sector. Historically, a major stop on the old trade route between Leh and Tibet, it today a popular spot for bikers and travelers to refuel and acclimatize.

*** [[Karu, Ladakh|Karu]] (~3,450m), Chang-Karu with loop line sliding for military logistics.<ref name=p3/><ref name=featup1/> Karu is transit Hub for [[Pangong Tso]] in the north via [[Chang La]] Pass by turning off north from the main NH3 highway.

*** [[Rambir Por]] (~3,300m), named after the [[Maharaj|Maharaja]] [[Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir|Ranbir Singh]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir princely state]].

[[File:Thikse_Monastery_.jpg|thumb|[[Thikse Monastery]], also called the ''"Mini Potala"'' due to its resemblance with [[Lhasa]]'s [[Potala Palace]].]]
*** [[Thiksey]] (~3,280m), famous for the [[Thiksey Monastery]] of [[Gelug]] (Yellow Hat sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]) which is also called the ''"Mini Potala"'' due to its resemblance with [[Lhasa]]'s [[Potala Palace]] and for 15-m tall [[Thikse_Monastery#Maitreya_Buddha|Maitreya Buddha]] statue.

*** [[Shey]] (~3,210m), former summer capital of [[Kingdom of Maryul]] (Kingdom of Ladakh).

*** [[Sindhughat]] (~3,180m), site of the annual [[Sindhu Darshan Festival]] held every year in June.

[[File:Ladakh_Heritage.jpg|thumb|Buddhist [[Stupa]]s at Choglamsar.]]
*** [[Choglamsar]] (~3,150m), is [[Dalai Lama]]’s summer residence (called Jivetsal) drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the globe for the [[Kalachakra]] teachings (transformation of one's body and mind into perfect [[Buddhahood]] through various [[yoga|yogic]] methods), also the home of [[Tibetans in India|Tibetan Refugee Settlement]] and the [[Tibetan Children's Villages]] (TCV) school for preserving Tibetan culture and education, and [[Central Institute of Buddhist Studies]] (CIBS) which is a deemed university dedicated to the study of Buddhist philosophy, languages, and traditional arts.

*** [[Leh]] (~3,215m), with loop line siding for military logistics<ref name=featup1/>

*** [[Sesharthang]] (~3,250m), with loop line siding for military logistics.<ref name=p3/>

=== Features ===

Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line, with a total length of {{convert|489|km|mi|abbr=on}}, including the {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} Leh-Sasherthang rail link, will cost ₹99,000 [[crore]] (~US$12.4 billion). This includes ₹62,000 crore (~US$7.75 billion) for 62 tunnels totaling {{Convert|270|km|mi|abbr=on}} in length, 114 major bridges, and 90 minor bridges.<ref name=abn1/>
<ref name=featup1>[https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2025/04/05/bilaspur-manali-leh-rail-project-details.html India’s costliest rail line will change how we view travel], theweek.in, 13 Apr 2025.</ref> Bilaspur-Leh section will have 124 major bridges, 396 minor bridges, and 52% track passing through 74 tunnels (with 27 km long Keylong tunnel being longer). Since this track passes through sub-zero cold weather, the coaches will be pressurised to maintain oxygen level and will be heated, but there will be no sleeper class seats. Construction includes structure to mitigate landslides, cloudbursts, and avalanches in the 48% section running outside the tunnels.<ref name=featup1/>

== Construction ==
[[File:Buddha_Statue_at_Sindhu_Ghat,_Shey,_Ladakh_%28July_2025%29_-_03.jpg|thumb|Buddha statue at [[Indus|Sindhu]] [[Ghat]] where the annual Sindhu Darshan Festival is held in June.]]

=== Funding ===

According to the 2022 Detailed Project Report (DPR), project cost will exceed ₹1 lakh crore. Total 2200 hectares land, including 572 hectares (26%), will be acquired at the cost of ₹11,500 crore. Bridges and tunnels will cost ₹62,000 crore including the large escape tunnels for ensuring passenger safety during emergencies.<ref name=modb1/> The project requires the acquisition of {{convert|1100|ha|km2|abbr=on}} of land, of which 26% is forest land, at a cost of ₹11,500 crore (~US$8.5 billion). {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} of approach roads will be constructed.<ref name=p3/>

=== Sections ===

In March 2012, [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] sent the project to the [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] for appraisal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Budget 2012-2013 Speech of Dinesh Trivedi Ministry of Railways. March 14, 2012|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ESpeech_2012-13.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324063208/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ESpeech_2012-13.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2012|access-date=31 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="himvani1">{{cite web|date=2010-12-26|title='Manali–Leh railway line project report with Planning Commission'|url=http://www.himvani.com/news/2010/12/26/manali-leh-railway-line-project-report-with-planning-commission/9555|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226072332/http://www.himvani.com/9555/manali-leh-railway-line-project-report-with-planning-commission/|archive-date=26 February 2020|access-date=2012-04-02|publisher=Himvani.com}}</ref> In December 2016, the {{convert|498|km|abbr=on}} the budget of ₹345 crore was approved for carrying out the Final Location Survey (FLS) for Bhanupli–Leh rail,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 December 2016|title=Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line on fast track|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/bilaspur-manali-leh-rail-line-on-fast-track/articleshow/55764296.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-16|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204020642/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/Bilaspur-Manali-Leh-rail-line-on-fast-track/articleshow/55764296.cms |archive-date=4 December 2016 }}</ref> which finally begun in June 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khosla|first=Sakshita|date=27 June 2017|title=Train to Leh, Ladakh: Suresh Prabhu lays foundation stone for Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh Rail Line to be built at a cost of Rs 157 cr|url=http://www.india.com/business/train-to-leh-ladakh-suresh-prabhu-lays-foundation-stone-for-bilaspur-mandi-leh-rail-line-to-be-built-at-a-cost-of-rs-157-cr-2275054/|url-status=live|website=India.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629024104/http://www.india.com/business/train-to-leh-ladakh-suresh-prabhu-lays-foundation-stone-for-bilaspur-mandi-leh-rail-line-to-be-built-at-a-cost-of-rs-157-cr-2275054/|archive-date=29 June 2017|access-date=28 June 2017}}</ref> and was completed by October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 April 2017|agency=PTI|title=Centre announces final location survey of three railway lines in Arunachal Pradesh|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/apr/01/centre-announces-final-location-survey-of-three-railway-lines-in-arunachal-pradesh-1588716.html|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-16|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011753/http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/apr/01/centre-announces-final-location-survey-of-three-railway-lines-in-arunachal-pradesh-1588716.html |archive-date=7 November 2017 }}</ref> In March 2025, the FSL and subsequent DPR for Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line were complete.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Indian Railways' big update on Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/indian-railways-big-update-on-bilaspur-manali-leh-line-ashwini-vaishnaw-says-mega-kargil-project-will-cost-rs-1-31-lakh-crore-12963876.html |work=Money Control}}</ref>

* Section-0: Bhanupli to Barmana (Bilaspur), {{convert|63.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} long link begins at the existing Bhanupli station,
* Section-1: Barmana to [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Mandi]]
* Section-2: Mandi to [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]
* Section-3: Manali to [[Upshi]]
* Section-4: Upshi to Leh
* Section-5: Leh to Sasherthang {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} link, included in the project at the request of the [[Indian military]],<ref name="p3">{{cite web |url= https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/separate-railway-track-for-indian-army-in-leh-on-bhanupali-bilaspur-beri-manali-leh-railway-line |title= डीपीआर तैयार: सेना के लिए चीन सीमा तक अलग से बिछेगा 13 किलोमीटर रेल ट्रैक |publisher= Amar Ujala |access-date=2022-09-14 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and Ministry of Defence had granted final approval in December 2024.<ref name=modb1>[https://thenewshimachal.com/2024/12/bilaspur-manali-leh-rail-line-gets-green-signal-land-acquisition-process-begins/ Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Rail Line Gets Green Signal; Land Acquisition Process Begins], The News Himachal, 24 Dec 2024.</ref>

=== Section-0: Bhanupli to Barmana (Bilaspur), 63.1 km ===

The construction on this initial section is focused on connecting the existing Bhanupli railway station in the [[Rupnagar district]] of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] to Barmana in the [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur district]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. It has a total track length of {{convert|63.1|km|mi|abbr=on}}, 20 tunnels totaling {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}}, 24 bridges totaling {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and 2 viaducts totaling {{convert|2|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="p3" /><ref name="p2">[https://www.jagran.com/himachal-pradesh/kangra-himachal-pradesh-bhanupalli-leh-rail-line-first-station-in-dharot-of-bilaspur-diversion-from-barmana-22655125.html], Amar Ujala, 24 April 2022.</ref><ref name="p1">[https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/rail-vikas-nigam-track-started-for-bhanupally-bilaspur-leh-rail-line रेल विकास निगम: भानुपल्ली-बिलासपुर-लेह रेललाइन के लिए बिछने लगा ट्रैक], Amar Ujala, 15 May 2022.</ref>

=== Section-1: Barmana (Bilaspur) to Mandi ===

In May 2022, this section commenced with land acquisition between Barmana and Mandi.<ref name=fsl1>{{Cite web|date= 9 February 2022 |title= Land acquisition for strategic rail line begins in Himachal |url= https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/land-acquisition-for-strategic-rail-line-begins-in-himachal-368514 }}</ref>

== Related connectivity ==
{{ anchor | Future | Related| Extension | Extensions | Former |Formerly | Further}}

Originally, a couple of further extensions from Leh also were planned to be constructed at a later time. However, in 2023 these were officially declared to be "shelved due to low traffic projection".<ref name="abn1"/> They comprised the following.

* 1. [[Jammu railway division#SKLL|Srinagar-Kargil-Leh line]], {{Convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on}}, a Rs 55,896 crore project.,<ref name=abn1/><ref name="Leh_Srinagar_Line"/><ref>{{Cite news |title=Centre Drops Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Rail Plan |url=https://kashmirlife.net/centre-drops-srinagar-kargil-leh-rail-plan-five-new-surveys-underway-in-jammu-kashmir-385508/ |work=Kashmir Life}}</ref> survey done, DPR on hold as of 2025.
** 1.1. Leh-Kargil rail line, {{Convert|210|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Leh_Srinagar_Line">{{Cite web |title=The Srinagar-Kargil-Leh line is a proposed railway line from Srinagar station via the town of Kargil to Leh by Indian Railways. The line was designated a national project on 26 February 2013 - www.Rail-Pass.com |url=https://www.rail-pass.com/srinagar-kargil-leh-line |access-date=2023-04-23 |website=www.rail-pass.com}}</ref>
** 1.2. Kargil-Srinagar rail line, {{Convert|225|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Leh_Srinagar_Line" />
* 2. [[Jammu railway division#PLL|Pathankot-Leh line]], {{Convert|664|km|mi|abbr=on}}, Rs 70,308 crore project,<ref name="abn1"/> survey done, DPR being prepared in 2025.

==See also==

* [[List of highest railway stations in the world|Highest railway stations of world]]
* [[India–China Border Roads]]
* [[Jammu–Baramulla line]]
* [[Future of rail transport in India#Geo|Strategic rail lines of India]]
* [[Transport in Ladakh]]
* [[Transport in Himachal Pradesh]]
* [[Jammu railway division#Future|Railway in Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh]]
* [[Aerial lift in India]]

{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Bi4GaxTvi6K77LPM4NxHbnadksk&hl=en_US&ll=32.039803292535616%2C78.45877654843753&z=7 Google map of the existing and planned route with additional spurs]

{{Railways in Northern India}}
{{Punjab, India}}
{{Himachal Pradesh topics}}
{{Ladakh}}
{{Highest train stations of the world}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhanupli-Leh line}}
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in India]]
[[Category:Firozpur railway division|*]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Ladakh]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]
[[Category:Transport in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Transport in Leh]]
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Ladakh]]
[[Category:Modi administration initiatives]]

Bhanupli Leh line - Revision history

TimDuncan875676 at 17:32, 4 May 2026