The detailed project report (DPR) for the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line, designated as a strategic project by the Ministry of Defence, has been completed, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.31 lakh crore, the Railway Ministry informed the Lok Sabha.

Kargil MP Mohmad Haneefa emphasized the need for railway connectivity to Ladakh, citing its defence significance. He specifically inquired about the proposed rail link between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Kargil, to which the Ministry responded, “The survey for the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh (480 km) rail line was conducted in 2016-17. As per the survey report, the anticipated cost of the project was ?55,896 crore. However, due to low traffic projections, the project was not taken forward."

The 489 km alignment begins at Beri and passes through Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Sissu, Darcha, Keylong, Sarchu, Pang, Rumtse, Upshi, and Kharu before reaching Leh, linking key towns in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The route will include 40 stations, with tunnels covering 270 km. An official stated, “As per the proposed alignment, the line will traverse the Shivalik, Great Himalayan, and Zanskar ranges, areas with significant altitude variations ranging from 600 metres to 5,300 metres above sea level."