The progress of the Bhanupalli–Bilaspur–Beri new railway line project has been significantly affected due to delays in land availability and pending financial contributions from the Government of Himachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Railways informed Parliament.
The 63-km rail project, sanctioned under a cost-sharing arrangement, involves a 75% contribution from the Central Government and 25% from the Himachal Pradesh State Government. Additionally, the state government is responsible for bearing the entire cost of land acquisition exceeding ₹70 crore. The detailed estimate for the project was approved at a total cost of ₹6,753 crore, including ₹1,617 crore earmarked for land acquisition.
According to official data, 124 hectares of land are required for the execution of the project in Himachal Pradesh. However, only 82 hectares have been handed over so far, while land required for the stretch beyond Bilaspur to Beri is still pending. Although construction activities have commenced on the available land, the non-availability of remaining land is adversely impacting project progress.
Financial shortfalls have further compounded delays. As per the agreed cost-sharing formula, the Himachal Pradesh Government was expected to contribute ₹2,711 crore, but has deposited only ₹847 crore to date, leaving an outstanding balance of ₹1,863 crore. The Ministry noted that this non-deposition of funds is directly affecting execution timelines. The total expenditure incurred on the project so far stands at ₹5,252 crore.
The Government of India stated that while it remains fully prepared to execute railway infrastructure projects, timely support from state governments is critical for successful completion. In this case, the Ministry emphasized that fulfilment of commitments by the Himachal Pradesh Government is essential to expedite the project.
Highlighting broader infrastructure efforts in the state, the Ministry pointed out a substantial increase in railway investment. Annual budgetary allocation for railway infrastructure and safety works in Himachal Pradesh has risen from ₹108 crore per year during 2009–14 to ₹2,716 crore in 2025–26, marking more than a 25-fold increase.
Several connectivity projects are underway or planned in the region, including the commissioning of the Nangal Dam–Una–Andaura–Daulatpur Chowk section, ongoing work on the Daulatpur Chowk–Talwara section, and construction of the Chandigarh–Baddi new rail line at a cost of ₹1,540 crore. Surveys and DPRs have also been completed for the Baddi–Ghanauli and the strategically important Bilaspur–Manali–Leh rail line, which is proposed over difficult Himalayan terrain with an estimated cost of ₹1.31 lakh crore.
The Ministry reiterated that railway project completion depends on multiple factors, including land acquisition, forest clearances, statutory approvals, geological conditions, and coordination with state authorities.
This information was provided by Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
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