Indian Army Deploys Indigenous High-Altitude Mono Rail System at 16,000 Feet in Arunachal Pradesh's Kameng Himalayas

The mono rail can transport over 300 kg of load in a single run. (Image posted on X by @GajrajCorps_IA)

Itanagar:

The Indian Army's Gajraj Corps has successfully operationalized an indigenous mono rail system at an elevation of 16,000 feet in the Kameng Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, representing a significant advancement in high-altitude logistics operations, according to a defense spokesperson on Friday.

This innovative system has been conceptualized, engineered, and deployed to overcome one of the most challenging operational obstacles faced by troops in the region, ensuring continuous supply to forward posts that are frequently isolated by snow accumulation, difficult terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions, as stated by Defense spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.

He emphasized that military operations in the harsh environment of the Kameng Himalayas, characterized by steep barren cliffs and extreme altitudes that regularly disrupt essential supply routes, necessitated an innovative solution to maintain year-round support for deployed troops.

The mono rail system demonstrates impressive capability, able to transport more than 300 kg of cargo in a single operation, providing a dependable supply line to remote outposts that lack alternative communication or logistical channels.

Lt Col Rawat highlighted that the system facilitates smooth transportation of critical military supplies, ammunition, food provisions, fuel, engineering equipment, and other heavy or awkwardly-shaped loads across steep and unstable gradients where conventional transportation methods typically fail.

The system maintains operational functionality around the clock, with or without personnel escort, and remains effective during adverse weather conditions including hailstorms, the spokesperson added.

Beyond its primary logistical function, the mono rail has demonstrated potential for expedited casualty evacuation, offering a viable alternative in locations where helicopter evacuation is not possible and ground evacuation would be slow and hazardous.

Lt Col Rawat described the initiative as evidence of the Gajraj Corps' resourcefulness and adaptability, noting that this in-house innovation enhances operational readiness, improves sustainability at isolated outposts, and reflects the Army's commitment to implementing practical, mission-oriented solutions in some of India's most challenging geographical regions.