National 05 November 2026
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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