Another historic moment was scripted in the chapter of Ladakh on Tuesday with laying of foundation stone for final location survey work of the world's highest rail link between Bilaspur-Manali-Leh by Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu at Leh.

The 498-km-long line will be the highest rail track in the world at an altitude of 3,300 metres.

The project is strategically important due to its proximity to the Sino-Indian border. Completion of the rail line would make India ferry troops and equipment with ease towards the border it shares with China.

Once the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line is completed, Leh will be directly connected to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country by railway.

The rail line will overtake the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Tibet in terms of height. Minister for Ladakh Affairs & Cooperatives, Chering Dorjey, Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC, Leh, Sonam Dawa, Ladkah Member Parliament Thupstan Chhewang, Leh MLA Nawang Rigzin, Executive Councillors, Councillors, Leh DC Parsanna Ramaswami G, Lt Gen PJS Pannu, GOC 14 Corps, Northern Railway General Manager RK Kulshrestha were among those present on the occassion.

Speaking on the occasion, Prabhu said that with the motto of “One nation,strong nation, the government of India is committed to link every nook and corner of the country and bring the people of different regions closer. Opening of

Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Railway line is an important step in this direction that will certainly benefit Ladakh, besides providing an opportunity for the countrymen to explore the natural beauty of this ‘Paradise on Earth’,” said the Union railway minister after inaugurating the survey work of this strategic railway line.

The minister said that “once we have a concrete planning, there should be no obstacle in achieving the goal and as such the Indian Railways is well determined to face every challenge by using all modern technology in the implementation on this project”.

The minister also assured to carry forward the project focusing on conservation of the fragile environment of the region.
Prabhu further said that opening of this important railway line will prove a boon not only in tourism promotion but would open so many employment opportunities to the locals, besides strengthening the nation’s security.

In his address, minister for Ladakh affairs Chhering Dorjey termed this development as a historic day for Ladakh, and hoped that under the dynamic leadership of Suresh Prabhu, the dream of this lifeline shall become reality within the shortest possible time.

The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh New Rail Line when completed would become a tourist attraction itself besides opening a new door of development in Ladakh, he said.

The minister further said that this railway line, besides providing an easy access to Ladakh, will also help in strengthening the national security and integrity.