New Delhi : A top-level meeting, chaired by Deputy National Security Adviser Nehchal Sandhu, is understood to have cleared construction of four militarily strategic railway lines in the Himalayas on the Line of Actual Control that divides India and China. Three of them are in Arunachal Pradesh and one will up to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.
The new rail lines will enable rapid deployment and movement of forces across the rugged, inhospitable and mostly snow-bound terrains. This is India’s first foray in the upper Himalayas to match the railway lines built by China connecting almost all areas on its side of the 3448-km long LAC.
Though the construction is expected to begin only next year, the meeting is reported to have ordered land acquisition and preparation of the detail project reports in this financial year. Sources said Rs 1,000 crore has been kept aside for the purpose.
The starting point for the 498-km long Leh line will be either Pathankot or Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab, passing through Bilaspur, Mandi and Manali, Upshi and Ladakh. It is estimated to cost Rs 22,831 crore. The most important will be the 378-km long Tawang line from Missamari to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, costing Rs 19,108 crore. The two lines will connect Leh and Tawang — which is a major Indian military base — with the mainland India.
The two other rail lines of total 504 km costing Rs 15,158 crore are to facilitate easier military movement in the Northeast from Arunachal Pradesh to Nagaland, Manipur, Mozoram and Assam. One will connect North Lakhimpur in Assam with Silapathar in Arunachal Pradesh. At present, there is no crossing over the Brahmputra, forcing circuitous troop movement.
The second line is basically aimed at providing confidence to the people living in the remotest parts of Arunachal Pradesh for movement from Murkongselek to Rupal, via Pasighat, Tezu and Parasuramkund.
