For years, the only way to reach Ladakh was by road or by air. However, that could now change. India is planning a new railway line to Leh, and one of its stations is set to become the highest in the world. The station is part of the 489-km Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line, estimated to cost Rs 1.31 lakh crore, and is planned at about 17,244 feet (5,256 metres) beneath the Tanglang La pass in Ladakh. Some reports place it a little higher, at a station at Tengla near the Tanglang La pass, at roughly 17,582 feet. Either way, it would beat the current record holder. The Tanggula station in Tibet currently holds the record at 5,068 metres (16,627 feet) above sea level. Tanglang La is a name many road trippers will know. It is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India, on the Manali-Leh highway in Ladakh. Bikers and drivers stop here for photos and a short rest before the thin air pushes them on. One day, travellers may be stepping off a train at the same spot. Also Read: India Eases Passport And Visa Rules For Pakistanis, Refugees And Tibetans: Who Gets An Exemption? A large part of the journey, however, will be spent inside mountains. Of the roughly 489-km corridor, around 270 km is expected to pass through tunnels. There is another first planned along the way. Keylong railway station is designed to be India’s first station built entirely inside a tunnel. The climb is steep. Earlier plans showed that the line would begin at Bilaspur at a height of about 500 m and end in Leh at 3,215 m. Passengers will need to take altitude seriously, just as they do when driving up. For locals, the benefits go beyond tourism. Ladakh’s MP has said a train would help young people reach education in other states and let residents travel out for medical treatment. The line also matters for the country’s defence. The Ministry of Defence has called it strategically important, meant to support military supply and give all-weather access to the region. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Senior Copy Editor at Times Network, Akanksha Arora covers Lifestyle, Culture and everything that falls under its big umbrella. When not writing, she ... View More