PM inaugurates ‘Atal Tunnel’ in Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh
New Delhi, 03 October (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Atal Tunnel at Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh. The longest highway tunnel of 9.02 km in the world passes through Rohtang pass is connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Fulfilling Atal Ji’s dream of top quality infrastructure. Will be in Himachal Pradesh tomorrow to dedicate the #AtalTunnel in Rohtang to the nation. This is an iconic infrastructure project built at a height of 10,000 feet.”
In another tweet, PM Modi said, “The #AtalTunnel will solve a major problem of connectivity in the region. It has several salient features and will further ‘Ease of Living’ for local citizens. Will also join public programmes in Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley.”
This tunnel will operate throughout the year irrespective of the bad weather conditions. Earlier, the valley was cut off for about six months each year owing to heavy snowfall. The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 kilometres between Manali and Leh and the time by about four to five hours.
The tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).
