Railways to connect Mandi-Leh-Ladakh

The Central government has in principle agreed the Mandi-Leh-Ladakh railway project, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said .Army personnel and men of para-military organizations posted along the borders of the country would stand to benefit the most once the railway line comes up. It would also facilitate movement of men, equipment, foodstocks and other supplies to forward lines.The railway line was also crucial to prevent pollution in the hill states as presently movement of men, machinery, equipment and other commodities has to be done in trucks and large convoys of army trucks can be seen meandering along the hill roads. Their numbers will come down drastically once the railway line is through, he said. The railway line will reach Leh and Ladakh after passing through Mandi, Bilaspur, Kullu and Manali and once complete, it will further boost the tourism potential of the state in general and tribal areas of Lahaul valley in particular.