Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line: India plans world's highest station in Ladakh

India's Ministry of Railways has finalised the Detailed Project Report for a 489-kilometre rail line connecting Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. Estimated to cost ₹1.31 lakh crore, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh corridor represents one of the most ambitious engineering ventures ever undertaken in high-altitude terrain, designed to deliver secure, all-weather connectivity to strategic northern frontier areas.

At the centerpiece of the project is the proposed Tengla station in Ladakh, situated just beneath the Tanglang La mountain pass. Standing at an elevation of 5,359 metres (17,244 feet) above sea level, Tengla will become the highest railway station in the world once built, surpassing China's Tanggula station in Tibet by 188 metres.

How will the high-altitude line be constructed?

Building a heavy-rail corridor across the fragile geology and extreme climatic conditions of the Himalayas demands advanced technical capabilities. To safeguard the track from severe winter weather, avalanches, and landslips, the project plan routes roughly 55% of the total line—approximately 270 kilometres—underground across 62 planned tunnels.

The preliminary survey for the project is complete, and the Railway Ministry has finalised the Detailed Project Report. Formal government approval for construction remains pending as final clearances are processed.

Which locations will benefit from the rail line?

Once operational, the direct rail line will link the northern plains with critical settlements across Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, transforming regional movement and economic stability. Key stops planned along the route include:

• Bilaspur
• Mandi
• Manali
• Sissu
• Keylong
• Sarchu
• Rumtse
• Upshi
• Kharu

By ensuring uninterrupted transit throughout severe winter months, the project will strengthen national connectivity, enhance trade networks, and secure seamless mobility across India's high-altitude regions.