India Plans World's Highest Railway Station in Ladakh as Part of Bilaspur–Manali–Leh Project
India is advancing plans for a 489-km Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway project in the Himalayan region, which is set to feature the world's highest railway station. This proposed station will be located in Ladakh at an altitude of approximately 17,244 feet (5,256 meters) above sea level. The project, estimated to cost around ₹1.3 lakh crore, aims to significantly improve connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, thereby reducing travel time. Currently, China's Tanggula Railway Station on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway holds the record as the world's highest, situated at about 16,627 feet (5,068 meters). The construction of this railway line will involve overcoming substantial engineering challenges due to the difficult mountainous terrain, freezing temperatures, harsh winters, and heavy snowfall, necessitating specialized tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure.