India Plans World's Highest Railway Station in Ladakh at 17,244 Feet; To Surpass China's Tanggula

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Railways completed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 489 km **Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Rail Line**, proposing the construction of the world’s highest railway station in Ladakh beneath the **Taglang La Pass** at an altitude of **5,256 meters (17,244 feet)**.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Surpassing China's World Record:

- Currently, the world's highest railway station is the **Tanggula Railway Station** on China's Qinghai-Tibet railway line, situated at an altitude of **5,068 meters**.

- India’s proposed station will stand approximately **188 meters higher** than Tanggula.

- Project Scope & Estimated Cost:

- Route: Connects Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh via Manali.

- Length: **489 kilometers**.

- Estimated Construction Budget: **₹1.31 lakh crore** (as per the DPR).

- Strategic Significance:

- Enhances all-weather national security logistics, rapid troop deployment capabilities along the LAC/northern borders, and regional socioeconomic development in Ladakh.

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Static GK Facts:

- Taglang La Pass:

- High mountain pass located in the Ladakh region along the Leh-Manali Highway at an elevation of ~5,328 meters.

- Northern Railway Zone (Indian Railways):

- The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh strategic line falls under the Northern Railway zone | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

- Existing Record Holder:

- **Qinghai-Tibet Railway (China)**: Tanggula Pass Station at 5,068 meters above sea level.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: On which proposed railway line is India planning to build the world's highest railway station at 5,256 meters?

A: Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Rail Line

Q: Which Chinese railway station currently holds the world record for the highest railway station at 5,068 meters?

A: Tanggula Railway Station

Q: What is the estimated project cost of the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line as per the DPR?

A: ₹1.31 lakh crore

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