PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Atal Tunnel In Rohtang

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 3rd of October, inaugurated the Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. 

The tunnel is 9.02 km long , which is the longest tunnel highway in the world.  The tunnel is constructed in an ultra modern way in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 metres from the mean sea level. 

The Atal Tunnel is constructed under the Rohtang Pass and would connect travelers from Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh.  Unlike the Rohtang Pass, the tunnel would be available for commuters throughout the year.

It would help travelers by Atal Tunnel reducing 46km road distance and four to five hours time to travel between Manali and Leh. 

The tunnel is designed to control traffic density of 3,000 cars per day and 1,500 trucks per day with a maximum speed of 80 km/hr.  The tunnel is 10.5 metre wide and a 3.6×2.25 metre fireproof emergency egress tunnel is also constructed into the main tunnel. 

Considering the safety of people, the tunnel is constructed with all kinds of safety measures. 

Some of these measures include, entry barriers at both north and south portals, telephone connections at every 150 metres, fire hydrant mechanisms at every 60 metres, air quality monitoring, CCTV cameras, evacuation lighting and exit signs at every 25 metres and broadcasting system throughout the stretch are some of the key safety features built into the Atal Tunnel.

The decision to construct the tunnel was taken on the 3rd of June 2000, under the leadership of the former Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 

The foundation stone for the Access Road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on the 26th of May 2002.  Previously the Atal Tunnel was named the Rohtang Tunnel.

Since the tunnel was designed and proposed under the leadership of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in 2019 the Union Cabinet under the PM Modi renamed the tunnel as Atal Tunnel in honour of the Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 

Mr. Modi inaugurated the Atal Tunnel at 10:00 A.M.

After attending the inauguration function at South Portal, Manali, Mr. Modi would participate in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley.

Stay tuned for further updates