Several major railway infrastructure projects are currently underway in Himachal Pradesh aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing passenger convenience and accelerating regional economic development. The details were shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in a reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha.

The projects include the commissioning and construction of new railway lines, surveys for additional routes and strategic rail connectivity projects linking remote Himalayan regions with the national rail network.

Nangal Dam–Daulatpur Chowk Section Commissioned

One of the key developments is the commissioning of the 60-km Nangal Dam–Daulatpur Chowk section of the Amb Andaura–Mukerian rail project. Amb Andaura is an existing railway station on the Morinda–Rupnagar–Anandpur Sahib–Daulatpur Chowk line, which is being extended to connect with Mukerian on the Jalandhar–Jammu rail route.

Work is now underway on the 42-km Daulatpur Chowk–Mukerian section, which is being developed in multiple phases.

Progress on Daulatpur Chowk–Mukerian Section

Kartoli–Talwara Construction Status

Talwara–Mukerian Section Progress

The completion of these sections will significantly improve rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Chandigarh–Baddi Railway Line Progress

The 33-km Chandigarh–Baddi new railway line project is another important connectivity initiative sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,540 crore. The project is being implemented on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between Indian Railways and the Himachal Pradesh government.

So far, an expenditure of ₹1,068.88 crore has been incurred up to February 2026. However, project progress has been affected due to delays in depositing the state government’s share of the project cost.

Financial Status of Chandigarh–Baddi Project

Construction Progress

In addition, a survey for a new 25-km Baddi–Ghanauli railway line has been completed and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared.

Bhanupalli–Bilaspur–Beri New Rail Line

The 63-km Bhanupalli–Bilaspur–Beri railway line is a major rail project aimed at strengthening connectivity in Himachal Pradesh’s hill regions.

The project has been sanctioned with 75% funding from the central government and 25% from the Himachal Pradesh government. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹6,753 crore, including ₹1,617 crore for land acquisition.

However, land acquisition remains a challenge.

Land Requirement Status

The non-availability of land beyond Bilaspur to Beri has affected project progress.

Financial Status

Construction Progress

Officials noted that the project is progressing but its timely completion depends on the state government fulfilling its commitments.

Strategic Bilaspur–Manali–Leh Railway Line

One of the most ambitious railway projects under consideration is the 489-km Bilaspur–Manali–Leh rail line, which has been identified as a strategic project by the Ministry of Defence.

The survey for this project has been completed and a Detailed Project Report has been prepared. The railway line will pass through extremely challenging Himalayan terrain.

Key Features of Bilaspur–Manali–Leh Project

The alignment will connect several important towns including:

• Beri

• Sundernagar

• Mandi

• Manali

• Keylong

• Sarchu

• Leh

The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh and has strategic importance for national security.

Pathankot–Joginder Nagar Gauge Conversion Survey

Indian Railways has also initiated a survey for gauge conversion of the existing 200-km narrow-gauge rail line between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar.

Field surveys are currently being conducted to prepare a Detailed Project Report. Once the DPR is completed, the project will require consultations with several stakeholders and approvals from agencies including:

• NITI Aayog

• Ministry of Finance

• Ministry of Defence

Officials said the exact timeline for sanctioning the project cannot yet be determined as approvals are part of a dynamic process.

Sharp Increase in Railway Budget Allocation

Railway infrastructure funding for projects in Himachal Pradesh has increased significantly over the years.

Railway Budget Allocation

This represents more than a 25-fold increase in funding, indicating a strong focus on railway development in the hill state.

Status of Railway Projects in Himachal Pradesh

As of April 1, 2025, three new railway line projects with a total length of 214 km are under construction in the state.

Project Overview

A total of 64 km of railway lines has already been commissioned, while work continues on the remaining sections.

Challenges Affecting Railway Project Completion

Railway officials noted that completion timelines for large infrastructure projects depend on several factors beyond construction activities.

Key Factors Affecting Project Completion

• Land acquisition by state governments

• Forest clearances

• Shifting of utilities

• Statutory approvals from authorities

• Geological and topographical conditions

• Law and order situation in project areas

• Limited working seasons in mountainous regions

These factors influence both the timeline and cost of railway infrastructure projects in Himalayan regions.

Rail Connectivity Expected to Transform the Region

The ongoing and proposed railway projects are expected to transform transportation in Himachal Pradesh by improving connectivity with major cities and industrial centres.

Once completed, these railway lines will:

• Improve passenger mobility in hill regions

• Strengthen tourism connectivity

• Support economic growth

• Enhance strategic mobility in border areas

With increasing budget allocations and multiple projects underway, the expansion of railway infrastructure is set to play a key role in the long-term development of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Himalayan regions.