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India to Build Rs 1.3 Lakh‑Crore Railway to Ladakh, Featuring World's Highest Station at 17,244 ft
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 01:32 PM
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The government has approved a Rs 1.3 lakh‑crore project to lay a railway line to Ladakh, which will include a station at 17,244 feet, the highest in the world.
New Delhi announced a Rs 1.3 lakh‑crore railway project that will connect the Union Territory of Ladakh with the rest of the national network. The plan, outlined in a recent Economic Times report, aims to lay a high‑altitude line that culminates at a station situated 17,244 feet above sea level, making it the world’s highest railway station.
The proposed station, perched in the rugged Himalayas, will require advanced engineering solutions to cope with extreme cold, low oxygen levels and steep gradients. Experts anticipate the use of specialized track‑laying equipment, avalanche‑proof tunnels and climate‑controlled facilities to ensure safe operations.
Beyond its engineering marvel, the line is expected to boost tourism, facilitate movement of goods and strengthen strategic connectivity in the border region. Officials say the project will create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic activity in remote communities.
The Ministry of Railways has tasked the Konkan Railway Corporation and the Indian Railways Engineering Directorate with detailed surveys. While a definitive timeline has not been set, the government aims to commence construction within the next two years, subject to environmental clearances and funding approvals.
The proposed station, perched in the rugged Himalayas, will require advanced engineering solutions to cope with extreme cold, low oxygen levels and steep gradients. Experts anticipate the use of specialized track‑laying equipment, avalanche‑proof tunnels and climate‑controlled facilities to ensure safe operations.
Beyond its engineering marvel, the line is expected to boost tourism, facilitate movement of goods and strengthen strategic connectivity in the border region. Officials say the project will create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic activity in remote communities.
The Ministry of Railways has tasked the Konkan Railway Corporation and the Indian Railways Engineering Directorate with detailed surveys. While a definitive timeline has not been set, the government aims to commence construction within the next two years, subject to environmental clearances and funding approvals.