A £3.8 billion ($5 billion) mega-project is set to connect two countries separated by the world’s highest mountain range, making it one of the most dangerous railway routes.
The Trans-Himalayan Railway will connect Gyirong county in southern Tibet to Nepalese capital Kathmandu, but there’s just one thing in the way: The Himalayas.
The mountain range has average elevations that exceed 4000 metres, and is home to nine of the ten highest mountains in the world, including K2 and Mount Everest.
The railway line will be completely unique, made up of tunnels which pass through 105 miles (170km) of majestic mountains, and bridges that soar above peaks and clouds.
The challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions could make construction and maintenance dangerous, and there are also concerns it could threaten ecosystems of the mountain range.
However, supporters of the project believe it will promote trade and transport between both countries.
Neighbouring Nepal and Tibet are both are known for their rich history and spectacular landscapes, however the mountain range which tourists across the world attempt to summit hinders their ability to trade with each other.
It complicates the movement of goods and people, and as Nepal is landlocked, it requires access to seas to help it become more economically successful, which this train route would allow.
There are also possible plans to link the line with India’s railway network, facilitating trade for China with two major tourism giants.
China is expected to provdide aid ammounting to £768 million ($1 billion) to help Nepal extend the railway from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is one of Nepal’s major tourist destinations, enhancing travel and economic opportunities.
An extension is also planned from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, further promoting tourism.
This mega-project is part of a giga-project: the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Project.
It is set to include development of road infrastructure and energy infrastructure, including hydroelectric projects.
