India's ambitious Himalayan railway project could create a world record
India is pursuing one of its most ambitious railway infrastructure proposals in the Himalayas: the Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line. If approved and built along the proposed alignment, the corridor could include a station near Tanglang La in Ladakh at an elevation that may surpass the current record for the world's highest railway station.
The proposed corridor is estimated to cost approximately ₹1.31 lakh crore and cover around 489 kilometres. It is intended to improve connectivity to Leh and has also been identified as a strategic railway line by the Ministry of Defence.
Proposed station above 17,000 feet
Several media reports have cited a proposed station elevation of approximately 5,256 metres, or 17,244 feet, near Tanglang La. Another report has cited 17,582 feet. The exact station location and elevation should therefore be treated as provisional until confirmed in official project documents.
China's Tanggula railway station on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway is commonly cited at approximately 5,068 metres. If India's proposed station is constructed at an elevation above that level, it could set a new record.
A 489-kilometre railway corridor
The proposed Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line is estimated to extend approximately 489 kilometres from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. The proposed route passes through challenging Himalayan terrain and settlements and locations including Mandi, Manali, Keylong, Sarchu, Pang and Upshi.
The Ministry of Railways' parliamentary response in December 2025 cited an estimated project cost of around ₹1.31 lakh crore and confirmed that a survey and Detailed Project Report had been prepared.
Around 270 kilometres of tunnels proposed
The corridor is expected to require extensive tunnelling through mountainous terrain. Project estimates indicate approximately 270 kilometres of tunnels along the proposed route. Geological conditions, extreme weather, high altitude and difficult access will make construction technically demanding.
Why the project matters
The railway could provide an additional transport link to Ladakh, where road and air travel are important modes of access. Road connectivity can be affected by snowfall and harsh winter conditions. A railway connection could support passenger movement, supply logistics, tourism and economic activity if completed.
The Ministry of Defence has identified the proposed line as a strategic railway project, reflecting the importance of connectivity in the region.
Has construction been approved?
The preparation of a survey and Detailed Project Report does not mean that construction has been approved. The project remains subject to the necessary government approvals. No confirmed completion date for the full Bilaspur–Manali–Leh corridor is established in the parliamentary information cited here.
