The Bhanupli-Leh railway line, an under-construction marvel of engineering, is gaining appreciation far and wide. This electrified railway track, once complete, will connect Bhanupli in Punjab to Leh in Ladakh. The project, which is considered significant for both strategic defense purposes and tourism, has been making steady progress.
The railway line, spanning a length of 489 km, will reduce the travel time from New Delhi to Leh to just 10 hours. The line will pass through seismic zones IV and V, reaching an elevation of 5,360 m above sea level, making it the highest railway in the world upon completion.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has identified this project as one of the four important strategic railway connections to the border between India and China. The total cost of the project is estimated to be ₹99,000 crore (~US$12.4 billion), which includes ₹62,0000 crore (~US$7.75 billion) for 62 tunnels totaling 270 km in length, 114 major bridges, and 90 minor bridges.
The project has been appreciated for its potential impact on industry and tourism, especially in the interior areas of Himachal Pradesh. The new line will help establish connectivity of the region with the national rail network, giving a boost to the hill economy.
The project has also been lauded for its inclusivity. The construction work has involved the participation of diverse communities, including the Muslim community, reflecting the unity and cooperative spirit of India.
As of February 2022, land acquisition has begun in Bilaspur district for the (Barmana) Bilaspur to Mandi section of Phase-1. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Leh-Sasherthang rail link (for military logistics) was completed in December 2021. The completion date for Phase-0, which is the Bhanupli to Barmana in Bilaspur link, is set for 2025.
The Bhanupli-Leh railway line is a testament to India’s engineering prowess and the unity of its diverse communities. As the project progresses, it continues to garner appreciation and anticipation for the benefits it will bring upon completion.
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