Bilaspur-Leh rail link sent for Planning Commission nod

SHIMLA - The central government has forwarded a proposal for a Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line to the Planning Commission for approval, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said Sunday.

He said the line’s feasibility study has been completed. Dhumal added that a communication in this regard was received recently from union Minister of State for Railways E. Ahamed.

The chief minister also said that the gauge conversion proposal for Pathankot-Jogindernagar line and its further extension up to Mandi town is under the railway ministry’s consideration.

Dhumal pointed out that the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line will not only help maintain all-season connectivity with the tribal areas in Himachal Pradesh but also play an important role from the defence point of view.

“The proposed railway line is in the best interest of the nation as neighbouring China has developed half a dozen railway lines in areas adjoining the Indian border. The 498-km-long broadgauge line is estimated to cost Rs. 22,831 crore,” said the chief minister.

According to him, gauge conversion survey of the 181-km long Pathankot-Jogindernagar line has been completed by the railway ministry and it is likely to cost Rs. 3,279 crore with electric traction and Rs. 2,888 crore with diesel traction.