To further strengthen and improve the connectivity of Ladakh, final location survey work of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new Railway line foundation stone was laid on June 27 at DC Conference Hall, Leh.

Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways Govt. of India unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of Railway line.

Chering Dorje, Minister for Co-operative and Ladakh Affairs, MP, Thupstan Chhewang, MLA Nawang Rigzin Jora, CEC Dr. Sonam Dawa, GOC, Lt. General PJS Pannu and many other dignitaries were also present. 

Terming the project as one step towards the Prime Minister Narendra Modi vision of making India One, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways Govt. of India said, “India can be one if the connectivity is strong. Ladakh being the most important part of India, the people of the region deserve to stay connected with other parts of the country and live a better life”. 

Talking about the fragile eco-system and the damage that can be caused during the infrastructure development of the railway line, Minister assured to take every possible care of the environment and to keep the maximum amount for the environment in the cost of the project.

Responding to the demand of laying inner line railway from Sangam to Upshi prior to the main line, he said, “During the survey, the proposal will take note of.”

 

MLA, Nawang Rigzin Jora said, “Ladakh has a geo static importance and the survey for the railway line and the tunnel across Zojila will connect the region all round the season with other parts of the country.”

He said, “Unlike other border areas, the region has been the most peaceful area and shares a cordial relationship with the army and civilian. Because the region is surrounded by the enemy country from both the sides, connectivity becomes the prime important thing.”

MLA further added that the railway line will bring national integration and boost the local economy through army and tourism. 

MP, Thupstan Chhewang stated the day as one of the most important days in the history of Ladakh and said, “The connectivity has been a major issue for the people of Ladakh as the region remains cut off for six months with the rest of the country”. 

“Railway line in the region can prove plus point from the national security point of view and the work should be carried out in a phased manner with practical implication”, he said. 

Expressing gratitude for the initiative and for the new hope, CEC Dr. Sonam Dawa said, “It was a mere dream for the people of Ladakh and was hard to accept initially. With further discussion on the project earlier and the foundation stone laid today it is proved that it is no longer a word or a dream for the people.”

 

He demanded the laying of the inner railway line from Sangam to Upshi before the commencement of main railway line. 

Chering Dorje, Minister for Co-operative and Ladakh Affairs said, “Construction of railway line in such difficult and treacherous terrain will be very challenging for the engineers but once completed it will bring national integration and the economic boost to the region.”

Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new broad gauge line final location survey line has been sanctioned at a cost of approx. Rs 157 Crore.  The railway alignment length would be around 650 km and will be all weather connectivity to Leh.  The distance would be approx. 1100kms and it would take less than a day to reach Leh from Delhi.