Strategic Projects to Boost Connectivity; Mandi Poised to Emerge as Key Economic and Tourism Hub
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a significant infrastructure push for Himachal Pradesh, long-pending railway expansion projects are now gaining decisive momentum, signalling a transformative phase in the state’s connectivity landscape. Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan has expressed his gratitude to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritising the hill state in the Centre’s railway development agenda.
Calling the development “historic,” Mahajan said the details shared by the Railway Minister in the Rajya Sabha underline a clear policy shift, with Himachal Pradesh now receiving focused attention in national rail expansion plans. He highlighted the accelerated progress on the Chandigarh–Baddi rail line and the Bhanupalli–Bilaspur–Beri rail corridor, terming them critical to unlocking the state’s economic potential.
Mahajan further described the proposed Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line as a “game-changing” project with far-reaching strategic and economic implications. The 489-kilometre-long line—one of the most ambitious rail projects in the country—has completed its survey phase, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) currently under preparation.
The proposed alignment will pass through key locations including Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Sissu, Darcha, Keylong, Sarchu and Upshi before culminating in Leh. Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in Mandi district, positioning it as a vital gateway for tourism, trade and logistics in the region.
Projects Gather Pace with Substantial Investment
According to official estimates, the Chandigarh–Baddi rail line project entails an investment of approximately ₹1,540 crore, with funding to be shared equally between the Centre and the Himachal Pradesh government. As of February 2026, expenditure exceeding ₹1,068 crore has already been incurred, reflecting steady progress on the ground.
Key Rail Links Near Completion, Others Advance Rapidly
In parallel, the 60-kilometre Nangal Dam–Daulatpur Chowk rail section has been completed, strengthening connectivity in the lower Himachal region. Construction on the Daulatpur Chowk–Mukerian (42 km) stretch is progressing at pace, with critical infrastructure such as major bridges and underpasses being executed on priority.
Boost to Tourism, Industry and Employment
Emphasising the broader impact, Mahajan said the completion of these projects will catalyse growth across tourism, industry and trade sectors. Enhanced rail connectivity is expected to integrate Himachal Pradesh more effectively with national markets, while also generating new employment opportunities for local youth.
He termed the Centre’s initiative a “milestone intervention” in ensuring balanced and inclusive development of the state, expressing optimism that railway expansion efforts will soon extend to other underserved regions of Himachal Pradesh.
