Prime Minister Narendra Modi would formally dedicate Atal Tunnel- the longest highway tunnel of the world, constructed at the height of 10000 feet under glaciers of the Rohtang Pass in HP , to the nation on Saturday.

The 9.02 kilometers long tunnel would provide an all weather connectivity to people of Lahaul – Spiti from Manali in Himachal Pradesh and reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometers.

Constructed with the cost of nearly Rs 3200 crores by the Border Road organization (BRO), it took ten years to complete this engineering marvel.

The tribal district of Lahaul – Spiti remains cut-off from the rest of world for almost six months  due to heavy snow blockade at the Rohtang Pass (13076 feet) and the Border Roads Organization ( BRO)) had to spend huge money for opening the pass every year to restore traffic on Manali – Leh highway .

Through the tunnel project was envisaged by former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi , the foundation stone of the project was laid by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on June 28, 2010 in the capacity of chief of National Advisory Council . Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had laid the foundation stone of approach road to south portal of the tunnel.

About 3.5 kms tunnel was dug in 2012 and the tunnel known as the Rohtang tunnel has been named as Atal tunnel in the memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The construction of the tunnel was a daunting task as the workmen had to work in sub-zero temperature and witnessed many long disruptions due to continuous flow of water from glaciers.

A horseshoe tunnel, would provide 8 kilometers double lane highway, it would have telephone connection after every 150 meters for emergency communication , CCTV cameras at different locations, air quality checking points at every 250 meters , fire hydrant at 60 meters , evacuation lighting after one kilometre, besides evacuation duct.

The tunnel would also have continuous electricity supply and temperature would be monitored regularly. A duct under the tunnel has also been constructed to lay power and telephone lines.

The state government has made all preparations to welcome the Prime Minister and the inauguration ceremony and PM’s meeting would be telecast live through 90 LCD screens put up throughout the state. The PM would address public meetings at Sissu and Solang Nalah after inauguration ceremony at 10 am.

In view of COVID -19 pandemic public gathering would be restricted and the PM would return to New Delhi the same day.  

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur is personally supervising all arrangements for the PM’s visit. Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh and other dignitaries have already reached Manali to participate in the function.

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