A Historic Project: From British Survey to Modern Connectivity

The Tonkpur-Bageshwar railway line, first surveyed by the British in 1882, has now been revived with a modern survey based on an updated plan map. This line will connect Tanakpur in the Champawat district to Bageshwar, a location near the Pithorgarh district, which lies close to the China-Nepal border. This railway project will provide a vital connection to the last station in India at the Nepal border, ensuring easy access to both the Chinese and Nepali borders.

Strategic Importance for National Security

Railway officials have stressed the strategic importance of this railway project, particularly for the Pithorgarh district, which is not only close to China but also Nepal’s international border. Tanakpur, situated at the India-Nepal border, is already a key railway station and this new project aims to bolster connectivity in a region that is vital for both defense and trade purposes.

Reducing Travel Time and Enhancing Access to Remote Areas

Currently, reaching the China border from Tanakpur takes around 16 hours by road through Pithorgarh. However, once the new railway line is operational, it is expected that travel time will be reduced to just two to three hours, drastically improving logistics and accessibility to remote border areas.

Challenging Terrain: Five High-altitude Passes and Over 65 Tunnels

The railway line will traverse difficult terrains, including five high-altitude passes in the Pithorgarh district: Lumpiya Dhura, Levidhura, Lipulekh, Unta Jayanti, and Darma Pass. All of these passes are located at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters, making road access difficult, especially for military logistics. To overcome this, the railway line will pass through a total of 65 tunnels, with the longest tunnel near Purnagiri stretching approximately 6 kilometers. Additionally, there will be 135 bridges along the route to navigate the mountainous terrain.

Costs and Land Acquisition

According to the preliminary survey, the total cost of the project is estimated at around Rs 44,140 crore. The land acquisition process for this project has already been completed, with 452 hectares of land being acquired to facilitate the construction.

A Transformative Infrastructure Project

The project is expected to significantly enhance India’s infrastructure in the region, providing easier access to both domestic and international borders. As the survey work began in April this year, Indian Railways has expressed its confidence in completing the project soon, marking a historic milestone for connectivity in one of India’s most challenging regions.

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