Now that the PMO has given its nod, sources said, the various proposals would move faster with considerable pressure being brought on the Railways to carry out the requisite technical work.

China began its work on the Qinghai-Tibet railway more than two decades ago. Unlike this case, the Chinese had to build 1,956 km and the first stretch rom Qinghai to Golmund was built by 1984 while the all-important and challenging 1,142 km Golmund-Lhasa line was inaugurated only two years ago.

India is already working on an ambitious railway line into the Kashmir Valley. Top officials say the projects in Himachal Pradesh must also be taken up without delay so that connectivity can be provided to the strategically important Ladakh region.

The push has come from the state government that has been lobbying hard with the Centre on these projects. In fact, Himachal CM Prem Kumar Dhumal made a strong plea in writing to President Pratibha Patil during her visit to the state two months ago.