(a) whether all the men and material equipment including light weight tanks from Chandigarh airbase are transported to Leh through air routes;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the annual expenditure incurred on such exercise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to lay a strategic rail line on this route in national/public interest;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): Transportation of men and defence material to Leh from Chandigarh is carried out by road and air except during the road closure period, when all the defence material and men are carried by air. Expenditure for airlifting men, defence materials and equipments from Chandigarh to Leh during the year 2010-11 was Rs. 242 crores.
(c) to (e): Feasibility of rail connectivity as part of the strategic railway line projects is reviewed by the Government from time to time and is a continuous process.