NEW DELHI, Sept 3: To expedite the survey work of the 498 km long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new railway line, railways has sought land from Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to set up camp office at Leh.
Government wants to strengthen the rail network in areas located close to Tibet.
We have requested the LAHDC Chairman to allot land for setting up camp office at Leh to speed up the survey work of the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line, said a senior Northern Railway official.
Apart from being of strategic importance, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line, is also expected to boost tourism potential of the area, right from Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh.
The cost of construction of the 498-km railway line has been estimated at Rs 22,831 crore.
Northern Railway General Manager AK Puthia has visited Leh along with team of senior officers and discussed the issue of railway connectivity to Ladakh region with the local elected representatives and district administration recently.
According to the official, the Chairman LAHDC has advised to submit a formal application in this regard and further assured that the same would be allotted at top priority and hence land will not be a problem.
Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line would pass through Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh to reach Leh. (PTI)
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