What Is the Highest Train Station in the World?

Highest Train Station in the World: Tanggula Railway Station is the highest train station in the world, at an elevation of 5,068 metres (16,627 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Tanggula Mountains in Tibet and is an important component of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest and one of the world’s most ambitious railways ever built. Known for its dramatic landscape and harsh weather, the 2006 station is located on a high-elevation plateau.

Why Was Tanggula Railway Station Built?

Tanggula Station was purposefully built to address the Qinghai-Tibet Railway project, becoming a flowing link between the mainland of China and the extremely remote Tibetan Autonomous Region. The goals of the railway project were to help with economic development, tourism development and cultural exchange in one of the most remote areas in the world.

There are no nearby cities or towns to Tanggula Station. The station is technically important as well as symbolic as the highest point on the railway for passage.

What Is Unique About Tanggula Railway Station?

The station itself is a basic building without active passenger services or permanent staff. However, trains regularly slow down at this location, providing time for passengers to enjoy the view.

Engineering Challenges and Achievements

Constructing a railway at such altitudes posed serious challenges:

• Permafrost: Specially designed rail tracks allowed for movable rails and frozen ground without the movement of the tracks.
• Oxygen Shortage: Due to low atmospheric pressure, oxygen is pumped into the passenger compartments and engine cabins as well.

• Extreme Cold: Materials that regularly drop to -40°C (-40°F) were chosen especially to withstand freezing temperatures.

• Environmental Protection: The project was committed to reducing environmental damage, often utilising elevated tracks in disturbed land to allow for animal migration.

How Does the Altitude Impact Travel?

Travelling at such a high elevation affects both passengers and railway equipment. To prevent altitude sickness, trains are equipped with pressurised cabins similar to aeroplanes, oxygen supply systems with personal outlets for passengers, altitude sickness warning cards and medical staff trained for emergencies.

Why Is Tanggula Railway Station Important?

Tanggula Station is a representation of engineering prowess and national aspirations even in the absence of daily passengers. It shows that even in the most hostile conditions, infrastructure can be expanded. It also promotes awareness about the unique geography and culture of Tibet, opening new doors for research, tourism, and exploration.

Fun Facts About Tanggula Railway Station:

Ascending Record: It holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's highest railway station!

Opening date: In 2006, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's first phase was completed and opened.

Oxygen Supply: Onboard oxygen takes effect automatically at altitudes above 3,000 metres.

Wildlife Sightseeing: The train rides occasionally pass through large herds of wild Tibetan animals.

Access to Attractions: Despite its remote location, the railway provides access to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Lhasa is home to some of the rich Tibetan culture, including monasteries and the Potala Palace.

The Legacy of Tanggula Station

There is more to Tanggula Railway Station than just setting records. This high-altitude station continues to serve as a standard for infrastructure development in harsh environments as international rail networks grow.