Concerns Mount Over Turkish Firm’s Role in Bilaspur–Manali–Leh Rail Project; Citizens Demand Rethink on Route. 

Shimla:

A wave of growing public concern has emerged in Himachal Pradesh over the involvement of Turkish company Yüksel Proje in the Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway project.

In a press conference held today, prominent local figures including Ved Ram Thakur, Chief Advisor of the Hotel Association Manali and former president of the Pradhan’s Association, advocate Rewat Rana, orchardist Lalit Singh Thakur, and local farmer Gyan Chand Thakur raised serious objections, citing national security, environmental damage, and economic disruption.

The speakers alleged that the railway alignment surveyed by Yüksel Proje—a company from Turkey, a country known for supporting Pakistan and taking anti-India positions on Kashmir—poses a national security threat. “How can a company from a country that questions our sovereignty be allowed access to strategic terrain data in a border-sensitive region?” asked Rewat Rana.

The delegation highlighted multiple issues with the proposed alignment:

• Environmental Impact: Over one lakh trees are at risk of being felled, potentially causing irreversible damage to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, water sources, and biodiversity.
• Livelihood Disruption: The alignment reportedly cuts through key horticultural zones, threatening thousands of families who depend on apple orchards and farming.
• Tourism Economy at Stake: The construction of tunnels and heavy machinery operations are expected to disrupt the scenic beauty and peace of Kullu-Manali, a major tourist destination. Small businesses, hoteliers, and transport operators could face severe setbacks.

Local panchayats across the region have begun voicing opposition to the foreign company’s involvement, demanding a new survey be conducted exclusively by Indian agencies. The delegation appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and key union ministers to reassess the project in light of national interest, self-reliance, and environmental sustainability.

The protest is not against development, the speakers clarified, but against reckless planning. “This isn’t development—it’s destruction. Rethink the route, respect the region,” concluded Ved Ram Thakur.