Centre considers strategic rail project in Himachal

Shimla, Nov 5 (UNI) The Centre has started the process of paving the way for the construction of the strategically important Pathankot-Jogindernagar-Mandi-Manali-Keylong-Leh railway project by directing the Railway Authorities to undertake the pre-feasibility survey, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here today.

The Chief Minister said the proposal had been discussed at different levels and considered by the experts to undertake the survey for the project for implementation as national project.

He said even the private parties had offered their services for surveying and construction of the project.

The Pathankot-Manali-Keylong-Leh railway line, to connect the border with railway transportation, had become necessary in view of the neighbouring country connecting its own borders with all weather railway line, he elaborated.

He claimed that since the neighbouring country had already connected its border with our country and was considering six more such projects to strengthen its border railway network, it put the security of our frontiers at stake.

Mr Dhumal expressed gratitude for the Central leaders for considering the proposal and also directing concerned authorities to prepare pre-feasibility report of the vital project.

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