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Railway Connectivity in Ladakh: Survey Details and Future Prospects Discussed in Lok Sabha
In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Member of Parliament Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal raised a significant query regarding the status of railway projects in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. The Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, responded by providing comprehensive insights into the ongoing railway initiatives in Ladakh. The discussion shed light on the current state of railway connectivity and the details of various projects envisioned for the region.
Survey Details and Project Status:
Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal's query was centered around the construction of railway projects in Ladakh and their present status. The response from the Minister highlighted the following key projects:
1. Bilaspur-Manali-Leh New Line Project:
Surveyed extensively, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new line project covers a substantial distance of 489 kilometers. The detailed project report for this project has been prepared. The proposed railway alignment starts from Beri and traverses through significant towns such as Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Sissu, Darcha Keylong, Sarchu, Pang, Rumtse, Upshi, Kharu, and finally terminates at Leh Terminus. This railway line holds the potential to connect crucial towns in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, promising enhanced connectivity.
2. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh New Line Project:
The survey for the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh new rail line, spanning 480 kilometers, was carried out in 2016-17. However, due to lower-than-anticipated traffic projections, the project was not progressed further. The estimated cost of this project was noted at ₹55,896 crores.
3. Pathankot-Leh New Line Project:
Similarly, the survey for the Pathankot-Leh new rail line, extending over 664 kilometers, was conducted in 2017-18. The project's anticipated cost was estimated to be ₹70,308 crores. Just like the previous project, this one also faced challenges due to lower projected traffic.
Project Highlights:
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new line project offers a glimpse into its scale and scope. The key features of this project include:
- Total Length of Alignment: 489 km
- Gauge: Broad Gauge (1676 mm)
- Number of Stations: 40
- States/Union Territories Covered: Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
- Land Area Covered: 2557.96 Hectares
- Number of Tunnels: 62
- Total Length of Tunnels: 270 km
- Important Bridges: 2
- Major Bridges: 114
- Minor Bridges: 90
- Road Over Bridges: 37
- Road Under Bridges: 54
- Total Length of Access Roads: 156.512 km
- Traction: Electric traction
- Signalling System: Electronic Interlocking
- Track Structure: Ballastless track
- Estimated Cost of Project: ₹99,201.40 Crores
Future Prospects:
Although the railway projects in Ladakh are met with challenges related to traffic projections and costs, the emphasis on enhancing connectivity to this remote region remains. The government's commitment to exploring innovative solutions for improved rail connectivity signals a positive outlook for the future. The discussions in the Lok Sabha underscore the significance of expanding railway networks to unlock the untapped potential of Ladakh.
Conclusion:
The Lok Sabha deliberations have shed light on the ambitious railway projects envisioned for Ladakh, aimed at boosting connectivity and fostering development. While certain challenges have been encountered, the commitment to overcoming obstacles and connecting Ladakh to the broader rail network highlights a promising future for the region's transportation infrastructure.
