**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2886, regarding the Pathankot-Jogindernagar broad gauge line, to be answered on 17.12.2025. It outlines the status of surveys for converting the existing narrow gauge line to broad gauge, extending the line to Mandi, and details of the Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh new strategic line. Sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process and exact timelines cannot be fixed.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Pathankot-Jogindernagar Gauge Conversion:**
* A survey for gauge conversion of the existing Pathankot - Joginder Nagar narrow gauge section (200 Km) has been sanctioned.
* Survey work has been taken up for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
* **Joginder Nagar-Mandi Extension:**
* A survey for the Joginder Nagar - Mandi (57 km) new line was carried out.
* The project had low traffic projections.
* **Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh Strategic Line:**
* This new line is identified as a strategic line by the Ministry of Defence.
* The survey has been completed, and a Detailed Project Report has been prepared.
* The total length of the project is 489 Km, including tunnels of 270 km length.
* The project passes through difficult terrain of the Himalayas.
* The anticipated cost of the project as per the DPR is ₹1,31,000 crore.
* **Project Sanctioning Requirements:**
* Sanctioning of any railway project depends on various parameters/factors.
* Factors include:
* Anticipated traffic projections and remunerativeness of the proposed route.
* First and last mile connectivity provided by the project.
* Connection of missing links and providing additional route.
* Augmentation of congested/saturated lines.
* Demands raised by State Governments/Central Ministries/Public representatives.
* Railway's own operational requirements.
* Socio-economic considerations.
* Overall availability of funds.
* **Project Approval Process:**
* After preparation of the DPR, sanctioning requires consultation with stakeholders like State Governments and approvals from NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance, etc.
* Sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process.
**Impact Analysis**
**State Governments**
* **Impact:** The state governments may need to provide support, and address potential concerns regarding land acquisition, environmental impact, or local opposition to the projects.
* **Action Required:** Provide support for project approvals, land acquisition, and addressing concerns related to environmental and social impacts.
**Ministry of Finance**
* **Impact:** The Ministry is responsible for approving and allocating the necessary funds for the projects, which have significant financial implications.
* **Action Required:** Appraise and approve the funding requirements for the projects based on the DPRs and financial assessments.
**Ministry of Defence**
* **Impact:** Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh line will improve the strategic connectivity.
* **Action Required:** Provide input and coordinate with the Ministry of Railways on the strategic considerations and requirements for the Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh line.
**General Public/Public representatives**
* **Impact:** Commuters and the general public will be impacted positively with better connectivity, however they will also have to deal with the potential disruption in construction periods.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of the developments and work with railways for smoother construction.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary entity responsible for answering the parliamentary question regarding railway projects.
Pathankot-Jogindernagar Broad Gauge Line: The specific railway line project involving gauge conversion from narrow to broad gauge.
Jogindernagar-Mandi Line: A proposed extension of the Pathankot-Jogindernagar line.
Bilaspur – Mandi – Manali – Leh new line: A separate strategic railway line project.
NITI Aayog: Involved in the appraisal process for sanctioning railway projects.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2886
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025
PATHANKOT-JOGINDERNAGAR BROAD GAUGE LINE
†2886. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to convert Pathankot-
Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway line into a broad gauge line
and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether any proposal to extend the said line from Jogindernagar
to Mandi is under consideration of the Government and if so, the
details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) and (b): Survey of Gauge Conversion of existing Pathankot – Joginder
Nagar narrow gauge section (200 Km) has been sanctioned and survey
work has been taken up for preparation of Detailed Project Report.
Survey for Joginder Nagar – Mandi (57 km) new line was carried out.
The project had low traffic projections.
Bilaspur – Mandi – Manali – Leh new line is identified as strategic line by
Ministry of Defence. The survey has been completed and Detailed
Project Report has been prepared. The project passes through difficult
terrain of Himalayas, which are full of geological surprises and
numerous problems. The total length of the project is 489 Km including
…2/--2-
tunnels of 270 km length. Anticipated cost of the project as per
Detailed Project Report is ₹1,31,000 crore.
After preparation of DPR, sanctioning of project requires consultation
with various stake-holders including State Governments and necessary
approvals viz. appraisal of NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance etc. As
sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process, exact
timelines cannot be fixed.
Sanction of any railway project depend upon many parameters/factors
which include the following:
Anticipated traffic projections and Remunerativeness of the
proposed route
First and last mile connectivity provided by the project
Connection of missing links and providing additional route
Augmentation of congested/saturated lines
Demands raised by State Governments/Central Ministries/Public
representatives,
Railway’s own operational requirements
Socio-economic considerations
Overall availability of funds
*****