Atal Tunnel, Rohtang – Engineering Marvel in Himalayas
Atal Tunnel

On this page, we shall keep you updated about all happenings, news, work progress, history, VIP visits and everything happening at Atal Tunnel, Rohtang in Manali. Work on Atal Tunnel, a 9.02 km long engineering marvel connecting Manali with Lahaul on Manali-Leh highway, started on June 28, 2010 and it will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2020.

Timeline of sequence of events at Atal Tunnel, Rohtang

December 16, 2022: As five-day deadline to reinstall the foundation stone plaque of Sonia Gandhi at Atal tunnel ended despite chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s strict order, the officials said the order can be followed only after direction from the BRO headquarters in Delhi or Ministry of Defence. The officials of district administration in Kullu said they had visited the spot to finalise the location to install the stone plaque but Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which built the tunnel and now is responsible for its maintenance, will follow the order from higher authorities in Delhi.

December 11, 2022: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, immediately after assuming the post of chief minister of Himachal, raised the issue of removing the foundation stone plaque of Sonia Gandhi from Atal tunnel, Rohtang, after the matter was brought to his notice by MLA from Lahaul-Spiti, Ravi Thakur. The CM directed the officials to reinstall the stone plaque within five days. The then UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the Rohtang tunnel project (now Atal tunnel) on June 28, 2010. Before this, the foundation stone of the approach road from Palchan to south portal of the tunnel at Dhundi was laid by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the tunnel on October 3, 2020. To the surprise of the Congress supporters and leaders, the foundation stone plaque of Sonia Gandhi was missing from the spot during the inauguration of tunnel by PM Modi. Congress blamed it was done intentionally by BJP to take complete credit for the tunnel and to tamper the history of the tunnel.

March 24, 2022: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a website to book a ticket to visit Atal tunnel for study/knowledge purposes. The ticket can be booked by tourists for a guided tour to the tunnel.

February 9, 2022: World Book of Records, London, today declared the Atal tunnel, Rohtang, to be the World’s longest tunnel above 10,000 feet. Border Roads Organisation chief (Director General Border Roads) received the world record certificate today at his Delhi office.

January 12, 2022: Jitendra Prasad, Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), is the new chief engineer of Project Rohtang Tunnel (Now project Yojak). He took over as CE a few days back.

January 12, 2022: Project Rohtang Tunnel is now “Project Yojak”. Shinkula pass tunnel between Himachal’s Lahaul and Ladakh’s Zanskar will also be built by project Yojak of Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Construction work will start this year.

January 12, 2022: BRO will set up a museum on Atal Tunnel where visitors will get all information on the tunnel project.

December 17, 2021: With the increase in vehicular rush through the Atal tunnel, the tunnel authorities are having trouble with its upkeep and have decided to keep the tunnel shut for 2.5 hours twice a week for maintenance purposes. The Atal tunnel project management has asked Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti administrations not to allow vehicles to the tunnel every Monday and Thursday between 7 am and 9:30 am. The officials say they are not getting adequate time to carry out proper cleaning of the tunnel due to high traffic movement.

November 27, 2021: The minister of state for road transport & highways and civil aviation General (Retd) VK Singh visited Atal tunnel, Rohtang, today; He first visited the headquarters of the Rohtang Tunnel Project in Solang valley where Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials briefed him about the Atal tunnel, Manali-Leh highway and other proposed highway tunnels on Manali-Leh axis. He then visited the Atal tunnel and was given guard of honour at north portal.

November 8, 2021: Eight thousand houses of Lahaul valley of Himachal will illuminate even after a snowfall in winter season this year as the valley’s power grids are now being fed through a 33 kV transmission line laid across the Atal tunnel. People of Lahaul will not have to spend winter season in darkness. After efforts of one year, the laying of power transmission lines from Palchan near Manali to Lahaul valley through Atal tunnel has been completed. After a series of tests, the power supply to the coldest region of Himachal has been started through the tunnel since Sunday. The 33/11 kV substations at Sissu, Karga and Thirot have been connected with the new transmission line. This way, Atal tunnel has also received alternate option of power.

October 3, 2021: ONE YEAR of ATAL TUNNEL: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials on Sunday celebrated the one year of Atal tunnel. The officials and jawans organised a small event at south portal of the tunnel. They distributed sweets and shouted “Bharat Mata ki Jai, BRO ki Jai” slogans to commemorate this occasion. The 9.02km-long Atal tunnel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 3, 2020, has changed everything on both sides of it in just one year. This engineering marvel has brought prosperity to the area, made travel to Ladakh and Lahaul easy and became top tourist destination of the state.

October 3, 2021: 6.59 lakh vehicles use Atal tunnel in one year

As many as 6,59,087 vehicles had used Atal tunnel, Rohtang from its inauguration last year till October 2, 2021 besides 1,63,053 vehicles that had used the tunnel before its inauguration. This way, a total of 8,22,140 vehicles have used the tunnel. July 2021 witnessed the highest ever vehicles entering the tunnel with a total count of 1,22,090 with an average of 3,938 vehicles using the tunnel every day. Over 90 per cent vehicles visit the tunnel for tourism purpose. The data clearly shows how the Atal tunnel has become a major tourist attraction. The tunnel has outshined Rohtang pass which used to be the main tourist crowd-puller until last year.

September 26, 2021: Union Minister Piyush Goyal visted Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, on Sunday morning along with chief minister Jai Ram Thakur where officials from the tunnel briefed them about the tunnel and Manali-Leh highway. Goyal first inspected the tunnel, later he was shown the model of the Manali-Leh and Padum-Shinkula-Darcha roads. Atal tunnel chief engineer VK Singh explained about the features of the tunnel. He told Goyal that the tunnel has cut short the distance between Manali and Leh by 46km and has provided round the year connectivity to Lahaul valley.

July 9, 2021: With Atal tunnel witnessing record-high traffic of vehicles, especially tourists, the tunnel management on Friday decided to shut the tunnel only two days a week for one hour each for maintenance purposes. According to Rohtang Tunnel Project chief engineer VK Singh, the tunnel will remain closed for one hour every Monday and Thursday. “Most of the ancillary works in tunnels are complete. Given the present traffic congestion due to the huge inflow of tourists in Manali, the closure of the tunnel for maintenance will not happen every day. The closing timing will be 7am to 8am. During this time, we shall accomplish the important maintenance works.”

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April 13, 2021: BRO shares tunnel tech with engineering Students

Following PM Narendra Modi’s call to share Atal tunnel tech with engineering students and invite engineering colleges for case study, the first-ever group of 15 students and two faculty members from Karnataka based Alliance University’s Alliance College of Engineering and Design visited the tunnel. BRO officials first described them about tunnel through slideshows and videos and then took them to the tunnel.
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March 4, 2021: 11th Foundation Day of Atal Tunnel Project

Border roads Organisation (BRO) officials and employees of Atal tunnel celebrated the 11th Foundation Day of the Atal Tunnel Project. The Atal tunnel (formerly know as Rohtang tunnel) project was founded on March 4, 2010 and was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on October 3, 2020. BRO and other officials and employees celebrated the foundation day by organising cultural programmes. Atal Tunnel Project chief engineer VK Singh congratulated all on this occasion.
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February 13, 2021: Atal tunnel remains closed for tourists

Although Manali-Atal tunnel-Keylong highway is open for 4X4 vehicles, the tunnel is closed for tourists following avalanche warning in the area. The Solang-Atal tunnel road has mostly remained closed for tourist vehicles in the winter season due to snowfall, slippery road surface and avalanche threats. Reference
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January 21, 2021: ANPR cameras fitted

Kullu police has installed ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera inside the Atal tunnel to keep track on every single vehicle entering the tunnel. The details of the vehicles will be stored in the database and this information can be used to track down the traffic violators and hooligans. Vehicles stopping inside tunnel will also be strictly dealt with. The police on duty in the tunnel have also been equipped with body worn cameras so as to address the situations arising from behaviours and response of cops and tourists. Reference
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December 27, 2020: Record traffic flow

Recordd 5,450 vehicles entered the Atal tunnel from its both ends in a single day. 2,800 vehicles entered Lahaul valley from Manali side via Atal tunnel while 2,650 went back towards Manali. This is the highest traffic recorded in tunnel till date. The traffic was bumper-to-bumper which shows Atal tunnel has become a major tourist destination in the country. The tunnel is designed to handle a limited number of vehicles in a day.
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December 24, 2020: Tunnel closing time 11am to 12pm

The Atal Tunnel will now close for one hour daily for maintenance purpose from 11am to 12pm. Earlier the tunnel used to close from 2pm to 3pm.
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December 06, 2020: Atal tunnel opens for night traffic

Atal tunnel has now opened for vehicular traffic in night hours as well. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was not allowing traffic movement from 9pm to 6am when 33 KVA transmission line to Lahaul valley was being laid. Now that electricity cable laying work is complete, tunnel is open in night times from today. However, it will continue to remain closed from 2pm to 3pm for maintenance purpose.
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December 02, 2020: Atal tunnel opens for petroleum vehicles

Atal tunnel has been opened for vehicles carrying petroleum products. In a first, 02 oil tankers crossed the tunnel from Manali to Lahaul. The vehicles carrying petroleum products like diesel, petrol, kerosene and LPG will be allowed once in a week i.e ever Wedensday.
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October 23, 2020: Atal tunnel becomes major tourist spot

With thousands of people making beeline to the Atal tunnel (Rohtang tunnel) every day, it has become a major tourist destination of Kullu-Manali. Tourists — both from Himachal and other states — are traversing the tunnel and visiting Lahaul valley in a single day. The tunnel has also become a boon for tourism in Lahaul valley. The temples of Lahaul — Raja Ghepan of Sissu, Mrikula Mata and Trilokinath temple are witnessing heavy rush of visitors.
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October 12, 2020: Atal Tunnel to remain closed in night time

Atal tunnel will remain closed from 9pm to 6am daily till December to facilitate laying of the 33KV power lines to Lahaul valley. The tunnel will also remain closed from 2pm to 3pm daily for maintenance purpose.
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October 4, 2020: Tunnel to remain closed for fuel, inflammable materials

The Atal tunnel management has said that Atal tunnel will remain closed for petrol, diesel, LPG, explosive and all vehicles carrying inflammable materials.
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October 03, 2020: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the tunnel to the nation. He visited the entire tunnel and BRO officials briefed him about features of the tunnel. Modi was extremely happy to see this engineering marvel in the Himalayas. He congratulated all people of the nation. The tunnel is now open to general public.
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October 02, 2020: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits tunnel

Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited the tunnel ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. He inspected the tunnel and reviewed arrangements for inauguration of the tunnel.
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September 23, 2020: Defence secretary & DGBR visits Atal tunnel

Defence secretary Ajay Kumar inspected the safety, electro-mechanical devices and smart traffic management system in Atal tunnel, Rohtang, and gave some suggestions for improvement of the project in the future. He was accompanied by DGBR Lt Gen Harpal Singh. This visit was to take stock of preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Atal Tunnel on October 3.
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September 20, 2020: Modi to inaugurate Atal Tunnel on October 3

Himachal Tribal Development minister Dr Ram Lal Markanda said PMO has finalised the date of October 3, 2020 for inauguration of Atal Tunnel, Rohtang by PM Narendra Modi. Minister said each village of Lahaul valley will celebrate fair on this historical day. A bus with elderly from the valley will be flagged off by Modi that will traverse the tunnel for the first time. Modi will then hold a public meeting at Sissu or Keylong.
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September 15, 2020: Atal Tunnel completed at Rs 3,200 Crore

BRO officials discolosed that Atal Tunnel, Rohtang has completed for Rs 3,200 cr against the sanctioned cost of Rs 4,083cr.
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September 13, 2020: Atal Tunnel Heroes honoured

Lahaul-Spiti Eco Tourism Society and Layul Utsav Society honoured Atal Tunnel heroes including BRO officials, Afcons engineers, security personnel, design engineers and others. The tribal residents shared their past experiences including how they convinced Atal Bihari Vajpayee to sanction Rohtang tunnel project. Elderly residents of Lahaul who contributed in getting this project sanctioned including son of Vajpayee’s late friend Arjun Gopal.
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September 07, 2020: DGBR visits Atal tunnel

DGBR Lt Gen Harpal Singh again visited the tunnel to review ongoing works. In his two days-visit, he took stock of ongoing finishing works including paint and cleaning. Lighting work has finished. The entry gate to the tunnels near portals are also ready. DGBR then visited Shinkula pass to check progress of initial works to build a tunnel beneath the pass. The work on Shinkula tunnel is expected to start soon.
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September 06, 2020: Defence minister may visit on Sept 9

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Atal Tunnel, Rohtang on September 9 to take stock of the progress of the works in the tunnel. Director General Border Roads is expected to visit the tunnel before him on September 7.
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September 04, 2020: Lighting and civil work finish, cleaning begins

BRO officials said civil works and lighting of the Atal tunnel, Rohtang have finished and they now final finishing and cleaning works are under way. BRO is assured of completing all the remaining works including finishing touch before inauguration of the tunnel by PM Narendra Modi. BRO and all stakeholders involved in making of the tunnel these days are busy in rehearsal to welcome Modi.
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August 29, 2020: Complete tunnel work by Sept 15: CM

Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur again visited the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang to review the ongoing works. He inspected Sissu helipad in Lahaul where PM Narendra Modi is expected to land for the inauguration of the tunnel next month. He then visited the tunnel and its both the portals and had a meeting with BRO officials. He directed BRO officials to give final finishing to the tunnel by September 15. He said Atal Tunnel will start a new concept of “Tunnel Tourism” in India as it will become a tourist puller for its uniqueness like longest tunnel of the world at 3,000m and being located at a beautiful place.
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August 25, 2020: 100 m long bridge on approach road

A 100m-long bridge on the approach road to north portal of Atal Rohtang Tunnel in Lahaul has been built on Chandra river which is ready for inauguration. This bridge will facilitate the smooth connectivity of the tunnel with the existing Manali-Leh highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate this bridge along with Atal Tunnel, Rohtang in September.
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August 23, 2020: Two police stations at Atal Tunnel

Two police stations — one at North Portal and one at South portal of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel will be established for security reasons.
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August 22, 2020: Atal Tunnel, Rohtang is now 9.02km long

Atal Tunnel, Rohtang is now 9,020 meter (9.02km) in length. Initially it was estimated to be 8.8km-long. After tunnel is complete and avalanche protection structure is built on its portal, its final length is 9.02 km.
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August 22, 2020: DGBR visits tunnel

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh visited the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang to review the work progress in the tunnel. This is his second visit to the tunnel in a month. As inauguration of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September/October is nearing, officials are frequently visiting the tunnel. DGBR directed engineers regarding beautifucation of both portals of the tunnel.
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August 11, 2020: Tunnel renamed as Atal Tunnel, Rohtang

Ministry of Defence (Border Roads) renamed Atal Tunnel as Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. This was done after demand of the people of Lahaul and Manali who had requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to rename tunnel as Atal Rohtang Tunnel. The residents say they have sentimental connections with Rohtang pass and wanted to include “Rohtang” to the name of the tunnel. Previously it was renamed from Rohtang tunnel to Atal Tunnel. Now it’s official name is Atal Tunnel, Rohtang.
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July 24, 2020: DGBR's third visit in the year

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh again visited the Atal Tunnel on Friday to review the ongoing works that are close to completion. The DGBR was accompanied by the joint secretary (Border Roads Organization) from the Ministry of Defence Satish Singh.
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July 19, 2020: Helipads at both ends of Atal Tunnel

Himachal government said it will build two helipads at both ends (portals) of the Atal Tunnel at Dhundi and near Gufa hotel. This will facilitate in conducting rescue operations and providing relief in case of emergency. Provision of budget from this will be made from Rs 711 crore Tribal Sub-plan for the current year.

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July 12, 2020: ADGBR visits Atal Tunnel

Additional Director General Border Roads Anil Kumar visited both portals of the Atal Tunnel to take stock of the current work progress as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is proposed to visit the tunnel on July 17.
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July 2, 2020: CM visits tunnel

Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday after visiting 8.8km-long Atal Tunnel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manali to inaugurate the tunnel in first week of September. CM first held a meeting with officials of Border Roads Organization (BRO) at Atal Tunnel headquarters near Solang valley and directed them to ensure completion of the pending works by end of August. He then visited the tunnel along with cabinet ministers Dr Ram Lal Markanda and Govind Thakur and took stock of the ongoing works in final stage.
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June 16, 2020: DG again visits tunnel

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh has again visited Dhundi to review the ongoing works of Rohtang tunnel on Tuesday. Almost all the civil works including flooring works in tunnel have completed and electrical and some other mechanical works are expected to complete within three months. This is his first visit to the tunnel after lockdown but second visit this year. Despite all odds of lockdown and keeping all works shut for nearly a month, the final works inside the tunnel are continuing on war footing to meet the deadline of September when PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit the tunnel for inauguration.
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March 24, 2020: Works stopped amid Covid-19 crisis

The works on under-construction Atal Rohtang Tunnel, which will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in September, have also been suspended as a preventive measure against Covid-19. An official said that the work will resume after improvement in the current situation.
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February 27, 2020: Atal Tunnel closed till inauguration

Atal tunnel, which was proving a lifeline for the people in need in snow-bound Lahaul valley in winter months, has been closed completely for all kind of movement, including for ambulances. The tunnel will now open in September after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Rohtang tunnel project authority, the ambitious project is in its final stage and the tunnel has been closed due to ongoing full-width paving. The surfacing works will continue for a few months and no traffic movement including ambulances would be allowed to ensure quality work. The remaining electrical and mechanical works are also underway.
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February 26, 2020: DGBR's visit to tunnel

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manali for the inauguration of 8.8km-long Atal Rohtang tunnel by September this year, the Defence Ministry and PMO are closely monitoring the remaining works of the tunnel. On Wednesday, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh visited the tunnel and reviewed the ongoing works.
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December 25, 2019: Rohtang Tunnel named as Atal Tunnel

As the nation paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary, chief minister Jai Ram Thakur with people of Manali organized a special puja and launched various government schemes in the name of Vajpayee. He, after a nod from the Centre, announced to name Rohtang Tunnel as Atal Tunnel as a tribute to the Vajpayee as he was considered the man behind the tunnel who had conceived its idea long back.
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October 4, 2019: September 2020 is new deadline

The 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel will be opened for general traffic movement by September 2020 while tunnel will be opened for emergency purpose after October 31 this year, Rohtang tunnel project chief engineer KP Purushothaman said on Friday.
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September 24, 2019: DGBR visits Atal Tunnel

Amid Himachal government’s claim to open Rohtang tunnel for general traffic movement by December this year, the director general of Border Roads Organization (BRO) Lt Gen Harpal Singh reviewed the ongoing works of the tunnel on Tuesday.
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June 6, 2019: DGBR visits tunnel

The director general of Border Roads Organization (BRO) Lt Gen Harpal Singh on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing works of Rohtang tunnel which has already missed its many deadlines.
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April 21, 2019: Tunnel opened for Lahaul residents for election

Amidst threats to boycott the Lok Sabha election and to stage protest over unavailability of emergency helicopter service to snow-bound Lahaul, the under-construction 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel was opened for tribals on Sunday. After getting a nod from the Ministry of Defence and election commission, nearly 450 persons traversed the tunnel to travel between Kullu and Lahaul.
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November 16, 2018: DGBR visits Rohtang Tunnel

Border Roads Organization (BRO) director general Lt Gen Harpal Singh on Friday visited both the portals of under-construction 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel to take stock of the ongoing works.
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September 30, 2018: Over 5,000 evacuated through tunnel

Over 5,000 people including tourists and workers who had stranded in Lahaul, Spiti and along Keylong-Leh highway were evacuated through Rohtang tunnel. Hundreds of vehicles were also evacuated through the tunnel.
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July 27, 2018: CM use Atal tunnel to reach Lahaul

As Union minister for road transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari’s programme to visit the Atal Tunnel was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, Himachal chief minister Jai Ram Thakur crossed 8.8km-long Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel), attended a public meeting at Sissu in Lahaul, and returned back to Manali on the same day which would have otherwise taken two days by road via Rohtang pass. Realizing the dream of tribals of Lahaul to do both way journey to valley in one day after bypassing Rohtang pass, CM became first non-emergency person to cross the tunnel.

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April 1, 2018: Workers go on indefinite strike

Already delayed by more than three years, the work of strategically important 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel has been stopped by its workers who have resorted to indefinite strike since March 27, blaming tunnel project for ignoring labour laws. Over 500 workers engaged in different works at both portals of the tunnel have threatened not to resume the work until their demands are fulfilled.
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March 18, 2018: DGBR visits Atal Tunnel

Strategically important 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel will be devoted to the service of the country in time, director general border roads Lt Gen SK Shrivastava said. He visited under construction Rohtang tunnel on Sunday and took stock of the various works in progress.
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October 25, 2017: 6.5 lakh KG explosives to make Atal tunnel reality

Country’s first hi-tech tunnel in most challenging geography saw a breakthrough after consuming whopping over 6.5 lakh kilogram of explosives that were used in New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a BRO official informed.
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October 15, 2017: Defence Minister visits Atal tunnel

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited strategically important 8.8-km-long Atal Rohtang Tunnel today and entered the tunnel to take stock of various works undertaken by Border Roads Organization (BRO). Her visit was secret and she did not meet anybody due to model code of conduct coming into effect in Himachal Pradesh.
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October 12, 2017: Rs 1,860 crore spent on project

As the Atal Rohtang Tunnel Project has achieved a breakthrough in the tunnel, Rs 1,860 crore have been spent on various works so far while the sanctioned project budget is Rs 4,035 crore, an official said.
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October 11, 2017: Boring of Atal Tunnel completes

Boring of the Atal Tunnel has completed as breakthrough in the tunnel was achieved on Wednesday at 6:29pm. A final blast in the middle of the tunnel connected its both the ends. At above 10,000ft from sea level, Rohtang tunnel has officially become the longest tunnel of the country at this altitude. The tunnel has also proved most challenging project due to extreme weather conditions and tough terrains. The work on the tunnel had started on June 28, 2010 with expected completion time of five years. Geographical challenges delayed the project by four years. Despite tunneling continuing day and night from both the ends, digging of the tunnel completed after 87 months. The final finishing works, electrical and mechanical works will take two more years to complete.
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September 2, 2017: Defence Ministry officials visit Atal Tunnel

Bharat Khera, joint secretary, air, ceremonial and border roads, visited south and north portals of Rohtang tunnel during his two days visit and he took stock of the work progress from both sides in Kullu and Lahaul valley.
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July 26, 2017: Cloudburst washes away road

Cloudburst in Dhundi area in Manali washed away approach road to Rohtang tunnel at two places bringing the traffic movement on this highway to complete standstill.
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June 22, 2017: ADGBR visits tunnel

PK Mahajan, Additional Director General Border Roads Organization, visited both portals of the Rohtang tunnel to take stock of the current work progress. He visited south portal of the tunnel at Dhundi on Wednesday and north portal of the tunnel today.
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June 2, 2017: 850m tunneling remains

The breakthrough in strategically important 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel (now Atal Tunnel) is expected to delay by a month or two as engineers still have nearly 850m tunnel to dig and the current excavation speed is about 6 metre a day.
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November 14, 2016: Addl Defence Secretary visits Atal Tunnel

Additional secretary from defence ministry J Rama Krishna Rao took stock of the works in progress at both the portals of the Rohtang tunnel on Monday. The engineers briefed him in detail the various works being undertaken to speed up the work and assured him of breakthrough in tunnel by July next year.
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November 4, 2016: Deputy DGBR visits tunnel

Deputy Director General Border Roads (headquarter), New Delhi, Anil Kumar visited both south and north portals of Rohtang tunnel on Friday to take stock of the progress of the tunnel works and suggested some ideas to speed up the work.
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August 30, 2016: Bridge connecting tunnel collapsed

A 170ft-long bailey bridge over Chandra river that was built to provide access to under-construction Rohtang tunnel (Atal Tunnel) near Sissu village of Lahaul has collapsed on Monday evening when a supply truck was crossing over the bridge. Rohtang tunnel project chief engineer DN Bhatt said driver of the truck came out safely. Bridge has collapsed and its both piers have also been damaged partially. The bridge was connecting the north portal of tunnel with Manali-Leh highway where labour camps were established.
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January 13, 2016: Seri Nullah fault zone done

About 650 metre loose strata section with huge water leakage was a challenge for engineers which delayed the excavation for over three years. Now this particular area, the Seri Nullah fault zone, has been excavated, and engineers have moved beyond it and digging process shall get good pace
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November 12, 2015: Atal Tunnel to cost Rs 3,000 crore

Work to dig 8.8km-long Rohtang tunnel was started on June 28, 2010 and tunnel was expected to be ready for traffic by 2015. As many geological challenges are the reason that the project has been delayed by four years, the project cost has also increased. According to officials, Rs 1,200 crore have already been spent on the project and about Rs 1,800 crore are required to execute the remaining works and make the tunnel motorable by 2019.
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November 6, 2015: Atal Tunnel's deadline slips to 2019

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen RM Mittal said Atal Tunnel (formerly known as Rohtang tunnel) will complete by 2019.
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November 6, 2015: DGBR inaugurates bridge on Atal Tunnel approach road

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen RM Mittal inaugurated a 206 metre long bridge on connecting road to the south portal of the tunnel. The bridge is built at cost of Rs 10.56 crore with a technology that is used in the country for the first time. He said that engineers are now concentrating on building of 12 avalanche control structures on approach road to the tunnel before completing the excavation.
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October 8, 2015: Strike by workers hit project hard

Complete strike by workers of Rohtang tunnel project has badly affected the work of this strategically important tunnel. Strike, which was called after a construction company engaged in tunneling work dismissed a worker, has entered 15th day. Tunnel is already expected to delay by three years and strike has brought all the works to complete standstill.
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August 12, 2014: DGBR visits Atal Rohtang Tunnel

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for continuing its terrorism activities and recalled the Kargil war during his visit to Ladakh, Border Roads Organization (BRO) director general Lt General AT Parnaik took stock of work progress in strategically important Rohtang tunnel and Manali-Leh highway.
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March 9, 2014: Deadline increased by one more year

Completion time of strategically important Rohtang tunnel has increased by one more year. Engineers have accused the tough geographical and weather conditions of this delay. Tunneling was earlier to be finished by 2015 but now it will not be ready before 2017.
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July 17, 2013: 3.5km boring done

With every inch engineers cut through the mighty Himalayas, engineering challenges in digging of strategically important 8.8-km-long under construction Rohtang tunnel are increasing due to unstoppable flow of water that is seeping at many places inside the tunnel. Despite this, 3.5km of the tunnel has been excavated and the work has been speeded up to meet the target of 2016. As on Wednesday, 2,000 meter tunnel is ready from south portal (Manali side) and 1,570 meter tunnel has been excavated from north portal in Lahaul.
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December 21, 2012: DGBR visits tunnel

Amidst the tussle between nature and engineers of Rohtang tunnel, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen AT Parnaik visited south portal of tunnel and took stock of the development of work for the first time on Thursday.
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November 18, 2012: Loss of 1.5km tunnel

Problems of engineers of strategically important Rohtang tunnel seem not to be ending soon as high water ingress and loose rocks have decreased the speed of digging the tunnel more than 10 times the normal since the last ten months. The natural challenges that the engineers are facing have pushed back the digging progress by 1.5km in last nine months.
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August 23, 2012: Project likely to delay by one year

The Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel) project is expected to delay by one year. Austrian and Indian engineers are facing a new constraint. They cannot dig the tunnel more than a meter in a day. It has two reasons. The continuous water inflow—up to 35 liters per second – is not allowing them to chase their target. Loose-rock strata is another problem. Excessive digging of mixture of mud and rock may result in collapsing of the tunnel. All these factors have confined the excavation work to 0.5 meter excavation per day on average as compare to the 5 meter excavation in normal circumstances.

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August 1, 2012: Digging reduced from 5m to 0.5m

The continuous and heavy water inflow inside the under-construction strategically important Rohtang tunnel (now Atal Tunnel) has lagged behind the work by over one precious month and the problems are expected to worsen after digging few more meters when main source of water (Seri rivulet) would flood into the tunnel. Speed of the excavation has reduced from 5m to 0.5m every day which is a real matter of concern for engineers.
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June 7, 2012: DGBR visits tunnel

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen S Ravi Shankar on Thursday visited Manali and Lahaul to take stock of work progress on Rohtang tunnel and Manali-Sarchu highway. His visit was scheduled following heavy water seepage and loose rock material that badly affected the digging of the tunnel and BRO DG himself reached here to check the current conditions.
14

June 4, 2012: Water leakage and loose strata delay digging speed

Two years after the smooth digging of the mountain at an elevation of 10,170 feet, the tunneling now has turned into struggle as high volume seepage of water is all set to push back the engineers. Not just high water ingress but loose rock strata has slowed down the excavation speed. Boring of 2,750m tunnel is complete.
13

May 11, 2012: Strike for two weeks delay work

Strike by workers for two weeks delayed the project. Workers were convinced to return to the work.
12

February 17, 2012: 2,564m tunneling done

1,809 meter tunnel has been excavated from south portal and 755 meter from north portal in Lahaul valley, with total of 2,564m.
11

February 15, 2012: Engineers ready to face underground river

“We would pass by a river after the excavation of about 250 meters more. We shall come across under-ground flowing Seri Rivulet. However, digging the tunnel through rivers is common nowadays but this time we are doing this at an average height of 10,170 feet and sub-zero temperatures. Main challenge will be to prevent tunnel from flooding,” Rohtang tunnel project chief engineer PK Mahajan said.
10

September 10, 2011: High-tech machines from Germany

To speed up the digging of the tunnel, new high-tech machinery has been imported from Germany which has reached the tunnel site. The machines have been put into work.
9

September 9, 2011: 1,621 meter tunneling done

1,261 meter tunnel has been excavated from south portal in Manali and 360 meter has been dug from north portal in Lahaul. A total of 1,621m tunnel has been dug so far.
8

July 21, 2011: Cloudburst killed 3, some went missing

Three persons were killed, 22 injured while five went missing after flashflood triggered by cloudburst at MSP-7 near South portal of Rohtang Tunnel on intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
7

July 14, 2011: Workers go on strike

The workers of Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel) went on strike after alleging that company was not providing them with basic facilities which they deserved. Workers condemned the difference in treatment between employees of different origin and demanded equal treatment, timing for work inside tunnel and other facilities. The management lodged FIR against worker leader.
6

July 6, 2011: Work started from North Portal

After south portal of the tunnel at Dhundi in Manali, the digging of the tunnel has started from the north portal in Lahaul.
5

June 30, 2011: 1 KM tunneling done

Boring of about 1 km of the tunnel has been completed.
4

June 6, 2011: Western Command chief visits Atal Tunnel

In the wake of security threats across the border areas with Spiti and Ladakh, chief of western command reviewed the progress of
Rohtang tunnel on Monday. Lt general SR Ghosh, AVSM, SM, ADC, general officer commanding-in-chief of western command visited the Rohtang tunnel with other high-rank officers. About 1km tunnel has been excavated by now
and soon the work was going to begin from the north portal of the tunnel in Lahaul.
3

March 22, 2011: Avalanche kills two

Two persons were killed when a huge avalanche hit their jeep at MSP-5 on Solang-Rohtang tunnel highway on Tuesday morning. Both
were the employees of Strabag Afcons joint venture, the company that is main contractor for the construction of Rohtang highway tunnel.
2

Sept 28, 2010: Petrol Pump at Tunnel site

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., the leader in the downstream petroleum business, installed ‘Strabag-Afcons Joint Venture Consumer Pump’ at south portal of strategically important Rohtang Tunnel Project in Dhundi, some 30 km north of Manali.
1

June 28, 2010: Sonia Gandhi lays foundation stone of Atal Tunnel

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in her capacity as National Advisory Council chief, laid foundation stone of the Rohtang tunnel (now Atal Tunnel) in presence of Defence Minister AK Antony, Himachal chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Union Minister for Steel Virbhadra Singh and many other politicians and officials at Dhundi, about 25km north of Manali town. With this ceremony, digging of the Rohtang tunnel started from its south portal in Dhundi. This tunnel will bypass Rohtang tunnel, reducing travel time on Manali-Leh highway by about 46km. The tunnel will facilitate easy access of military to Ladakh and will provide all-weather connectivity to Lahaul valley. The tunnel is expected to be completed at a cost of Rs 1,700 crore in five years.
0

March 4, 2010: Tunnel work founded

The work of the Rohtang pass founded. The engineers start primary assessments and fixing of the machines and equipments. Digging of the tunnel will start soon.
[/timeline]

Atal Tunnel Specifications

  • Project Cost (As on 30 September, 2020): INR 3,200 Crore
  • Length of Atal Tunnel: 9.02 KM
  • Mountain Range: Pir Panjal
  • Distance of tunnel from Manali: 24 KM
  • Distance of tunnel from Keylong: 40 KM
  • Distance of tunnel from Rohtang pass: 26 KM
  • Shape of tunnel: Horseshoe
  • Tunnel method: New Austria Tunneling Method (NATM) which uses drilling, blasting and digging
  • Width of tunnel: 10m
  • Altitude of the tunnel: 10,170ft
  • Tunnel designed for vehicular speed: 80 km per hour
  • Temperature at south portal of Atal Tunnel at Dhundi: 28 degrees C (summers) to – 20 degrees C (winters)
  • Temperature at north portal of Atal Tunnel near Sissu in Lahaul: 30 degrees C (summers) to – 30 degrees C (winters)
  • Overburden: Maximum overburden (Pir Panjal mountain range) of 1,900m and average of over 600m
  • Emergency escape route: An emergency tunnel (2.25m high and 3.6m wide) is running below the main carriageway/highway
  • Vehicle capacity: 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks
  • Designed speed: Maximum speed of 80 km per hour and minimum speed of 30 km per hour.

Features of Atal Tunnel

  • The approach road to Atal tunnel is being secured by avalanche protection structures at avalanche-prone sites.
  • Besides emergency exit tunnel below main tunnel, high efficiency fire sensing and extinguishing mechanism is being installed.
  • A semi-transverse ventilation system.
  • CCTV cameras being placed at regular distance.
  • Pollution monitoring system.
  • Public announcement system (speakers).
  • Telephone facility.
  • High-efficiency automatic lights that will turn off automatically if no movement inside the tunnel. This will save energy.

Updated on 28 June 2021

Himachal unlock: Record 7,276 vehicles use Atal tunnel in 24 hours

Record 7,276 vehicles, which include the majority of tourist vehicles, have used Atal Tunnel, Rohtang within 24 hours from Sunday 8am to Monday 8am.

The tunnel had not witnessed such a high traffic load since its inauguration on October 3 last year. 3,848 vehicles entered the tunnel from its south portal in Kullu district and 3,428 vehicles entered from north portal in Lahaul-Spiti district. While nearly 90 per cent of the vehicles belong to tourists, the remaining vehicles include local vehicles, buses and goods carriers. The vehicles belong to tourists coming to visit tunnel, Lahaul valley, Spiti valley and those heading to Ladakh.

Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “The traffic rush has broken all previous records. Majority of vehicles entering the tunnel from both sides are tourist vehicles. The traffic is further diverting to Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti and Pangi valley of Chamba district. To avoid traffic congestions, we are not allowing vehicles to park on the highway and tourists are allowed to park at designated parking spaces only.”

After witnessing bad time amid pandemic, the tourism industry of Himachal is witnessing an extremely high tourist rush following lifting of the requirement of RT-PCR report and e-pass to enter the state. All the major highways are witnessing unprecedented traffic rush and vehicles are plying in long queues. Due to travel restrictions and social distancing norms, tourists are travelling in private vehicles.

Be it tolls, nakas, green tax barrier, long queues are vehicles are being witnessed everywhere. With Rohtang pass opening only for local taxis due to safety reasons, most tourists are heading towards Atal tunnel and Lahaul valley. It has made the tunnel extremely busy.

As many as 6,400 vehicles had used the tunnel only in 12 hours from 8am to 8pm on Sunday. It included 2,905 tourist vehicles, 58 Leh-bound trucks, 284 Leh-bound light vehicles, 134 Spiti-bound vehicles, eight Pangi valley bound trucks, 39 Pangi valley bound light motor vehicles and 32 local trucks that entered the tunnel from its south portal and 2,940 vehicles that entered the tunnel from its north portal.

Before this, 5,674 was the highest number of vehicles that had used Atal tunnel in March this month. 5,400 vehicles using the tunnel in a small time period on December 27, 2020 had almost jammed the approach roads to the tunnel.

Cops are not allowing parking at both portals of the tunnel while movement inside tunnel is being monitored by security cameras. The warning signages have been put up outside the tunnel that stopping vehicle inside the tunnel is an offence. Meanwhile, tunnel management is regularly monitoring the pollution level inside the tunnel. The tunnel will remain closed for maintenance for three hours from 9pm on Tuesday night.

Updated on 15 March 2021

Over 1.5 lakh vehicles use Atal tunnel

Over 1.5 lakh tourists have used Atal tunnel since its inauguration by PM Narendra Modi on October 3 and most of the vehicles belong to tourists, an official said.

Atal tunnel has proved to be a major tourist destination that is witnessing high vehicular movement right from its opening. Tourists are experiencing driving through the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000ft and are entering Lahaul valley for the first time in the winter season. Despite the fact that the Manali-Atal tunnel highway is open only till Lahaul valley, the tunnel is getting a large number of vehicles every day.

Record over 5,400 vehicles had used Atal tunnel on December 27 last year. This year, March 13 witnessed the highest ever single-day traffic in the tunnel with 3,950 vehicles entering the tunnel from both portals.

With the increase in tourist vehicles, traffic violations are also on the rise. Kullu police have challaned 87 vehicles for over speed, 65 for rash driving, and 210 for other traffic violations. 27 tourists were arrested for stopping vehicles inside the tunnel and creating a nuisance.

Updated on 5 March 2021

ITBP equips cops at Atal tunnel with special winter gears

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) on Friday presented special clothes and equipment to the cops deployed at Atal tunnel so that they could withstand even the temperature of minus 40 degrees C.

The ITBP and Himachal police organised a small programme at south portal of the tunnel. ITBP deputy inspector general Prem Singh gave 11 types of special clothes and equipment that can be used by 60 cops deployed at the tunnel.

The Atal tunnel area witnesses extreme cold weather and very heavy snowfall. Himachal police is responsible for the security and safety of the tunnel.

Prem Singh said these clothes and equipment are the same which are those used by soldiers at Siachen in Ladakh. “ITBP is using these clothes and equipment at an altitude ranging from 9,000ft to 21,000ft in Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and North-East. Our jawans are comfortably performing their duty in all weather conditions. The clothes help us withstand the outside temperature of even minus 40 degrees C,” he said while handing over the equipment and other winter gears to Himachal police DIG (central range) Madhusudan Sharma.

Updated on 14 November 2018

Life at the end of a tunnel

As Winter Cuts Off Tribal Lahaul From The Mainland, Atal Tunnel Is The Sole Exit Route…

When winter sets in, more than 100 tiny hamlets of Lahaul Valley dotting the Himalayas fall silent. At sunset, thin lines of smoke trail out of chimneys. Often, that is all the movement there is.

Sitting around a tandoor, Sunil Bodh and members of his family discuss how to survive the cold, snow and medical emergencies over the next six months when the valley remains cut off from the mainland. But the discussion is not as bleak as before. Even when snow plugs all routes, this time, they will have the under-construction Atal tunnel to fall back on in case of a medical emergency.

“General movement is not allowed but the government has promised to allow us entry through the Atal tunnel in case of a medical emergency. They will not leave us to die like previous years when airlifting was the only way of going out of the valley. The tunnel will keep us connected with the outer world,” said Sunil’s mother Angmo Bodh.

Lahaul is freezing at minus 4 degree Celsius. In some areas, it is even lower. Water sources have frozen over completely. The temperature will plunge below minus 20 degrees Celsius by the end of December.

Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul, is covered with a 30 to 100cm thick layer of snow. By the end of the winter, it will be 20 to 30ft or deep or even more.

The pass officially closed on November 15 and the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has stopped work on the pass till next season.

This year, snowfall in Rohtang and Lahaul blocked the highway to the valley on November 12. Earlier, BRO refused to clear snow from Rohtang. However, they gave in to public demand and cleared the highway on Friday, temporarily resuming traffic.

Tribals from 28 panchayats of Lahaul have high hopes from the Atal tunnel but the Lahaul-Spiti administration and tunnel management are in a dilemma.

Residents want the Atal tunnel opened for the general public once a week in the winter and the state government has assured that talks will be held with top BRO officials and the defence ministry.

However, management of the Atal tunnel project pointed out that the tunnel is incomplete, so traffic will not only hinder work but also endanger people. Therefore, they have made it clear that people will be allowed to pass only in case of emergency. The Lahaul-Spiti administration has supported the statement of the management.

Since people cannot fully depend on the Atal tunnel this winter, the government plans to launch a winter helicopter service between Kullu and Lahaul.

The foundation stone of the 8.8 kilometre-long Atal tunnel (wow 9.02km-long) was laid on June 28, 2010 and boring was completed last October. Starting from green Dhundi near Manali, the tunnel opens to the completely barren Lahaul near Teling village.

Stocks Run Out

Residents of Lahaul prepare for the winter isolation well in time by completing agricultural work and stocking up on ration, fuel, LPG and fodder. All government departments stock and distribute essentials like fuel, LPG, ration and medicines. Many residents did not do so this year thinking they could depend on the Atal tunnel.

A few people, particularly patients, pregnant women, students, seasonal workers and a few elderly residents leave the valley before snowfall and return in the summer. People who live in other districts also go to Lahaul in the winter. This year, they were confident of getting access to the Atal tunnel.

The BRO had warned the district administration in advance that it cleared snow from the Manali-Rohtang-Lahaul highway three times since September and the task should be handled by the administration and residents now.

Despite the warning, hundreds of tribals were stuck in Kullu and Lahaul when snow fell. Even as many gained emergency access through the Atal tunnel, others were denied entry due to security reasons. With growing pressure from the people and government, BRO had to reopen the road by clearing snow for the last time this season.

Even though the Atal tunnel will remain open for medical emergencies, keeping the approach road to the tunnel from Keylong and other parts of the valley open in all weather conditions will be a major challenge. The ambulance can reach the tunnel portal only if the approach road is cleared.

Lives At Risk

Nearly 60 residents of Lahaul, including women and children, forcibly entered the north portal of the under-construction Atal tunnel after being denied entry by the tunnel security on Monday evening.

Ram Dassi of Salgran village, lost consciousness while four others felt suffocated when they reached midway.

They were stopped by the tunnel management and police and Keylong SDM Amar Negi took them back in two buses. Those who felt the impact of low air pressure inside the Atal tunnel were given first aid by the tunnel management and then sent to hospital.

The BRO chief engineer sent a written complaint to Lahaul-Spiti DC saying that a few people incited the group to enter the tunnel after a security breach and put their lives in danger. On Tuesday, the DC ordered establishment of a police post at the north portal of the Atal tunnel to prevent such incidents in future.

Residents said Rohtang Pass was closed after heavy snowfall and they had to go out of the landlocked valley. They said hundreds of people had already used the tunnel in the last few days but were denied entry.

Also, they accused agriculture minister Dr Ram Lal Markanda of giving them the false assurance of helping them cross the tunnel. Ram Nandi, one of the residents who forced their way inside the Atal tunnel, said, “The minister asked us to gather at the Atal tunnel portal in the morning from where he had to arrange our entrance into tunnel. When he came, he assured us that he would get permit for us and went inside the tunnel with four other vehicles. However, the Atal tunnel management said no one took permission for us. Later, it was decided that we would enter the tunnel ourselves as we had been waiting in the biting cold since morning without even having a meal. When we walked for about 5km inside tunnel, we started feeling suffocated and faint.”

Thousands Rescued

This year, nearly 4,000 people, including 1,000 tourists, used the tunnel in emergency. When sudden snowfall on September 22 to 24 left thousands stranded in Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh, most of the people were rescued through the Atal tunnel. On November 12, when snowfall blocked Rohtang Pass, hundreds of people used the tunnel. Many patients have been transported through the tunnel.

Engineering Marvel

The 9.02km-long tunnel, which will be built at a cost of about Rs 3,500 crore, is an engineering marvel, given its location in the extreme climatic condition of the Himalayas. It is the longest tunnel of the country at an altitude of 10,000ft above sea level. Work finished on October 2017. Now, engineers are giving a final shape to the tunnel and fitting safety instruments. Atal tunnel will completed by the end of 2020. It was to be completed in 2015 but was delayed because of geological challenges like high water ingress and loose rock strata. The double-lane tunnel, which is strategically important for the Army, will provide all-weather connectivity to the tribal Lahaul valley. It will also cut short the distance between Manali and Leh by about 45km.

Misuse of Passage Alleged

Residents allege that a few people manage to get access to the tunnel because of their influence. A few days back, nearly 60 people who did not get entry to tunnel accused a few politicians and officials of misusing their power to cross the tunnel.

They said people who were really in need bore the brunt. A total of 18 soldiers from Lahaul, who had to join duty at different places, could not get access to the tunnel and had to cross Rohtang Pass on foot a few days back.

Atal tunnel is strategically important and its construction is being closely monitored by the Defence Ministry. But for now, it is incomplete and unsafe.

Caution Advised

With a geographical area of 13,841sqkm, Lahaul-Spiti is the largest district of Himachal. The cold desert remains closed for six months of the year when 10 to 50ft thick snow blocks roads leading to the valley. On completion, the tunnel will provide all-weather access to the valley and improve the life of residents.

Dr P D Lal, an area resident said, “People will get to see the amazing world in Lahaul after getting winter access via the tunnel. Tourism will get a boost and farmers will have the option of taking their produce to other markets. We don’t want our land exploited and want a development plan. I personally feel that the eco-sensitive Lahaul valley should be kept free from large projects. We have been protesting against a number of hydel projects proposed to be built on the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) river. Once Atal tunnel is complete, investors will be all the more interested in such projects. We do not want the government to let the tunnel be a curse for the beautiful Lahaul.”

Allowing free civilian movement across the under- construction tunnel is not possible for many reasons. We shall send cases of medical emergency via Atal tunnel this winter. A police post has been established at the north portal to monitor public movement

Ashwani Kumar Chawdhary | DC, Lahaul-Spiti

 

The government should made arrangements for people of Lahaul to use Atal tunnel at least once a week so that work on the tunnel is not hampered

Ravi Thakur | Former MLA, Congress

I have talked to top BRO officials to provide relief to Lahaul residents in the winter months. I have also talked to the chief minister for a helicopter service to Lahaul soon after the snowfall.

Dr Ram Lal Markanda | Tribal development and agriculture minister

BRO has cleared snow from Rohtang Pass for the last time this season. Now, we shall not open the road after the snowfall. Work on the tunnel is incomplete. Opening it for free public movement is not safe.

Mohan Lal | BRO additional director general

Update on 27 November 2020

Atal tunnel to open once a week for petroleum vehicles

Vehicles carrying petroleum products including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG can now use Atal tunnel as the Centre has given nod to open tunnel for inflammable products under the certain standard operating procedure.

The 9.02km long tunnel was opened to general traffic on October 3. But the vehicles carrying inflammable products and explosives were not allowed to use the tunnel due to security reasons. These vehicles were bound to use the old highway via Rohtang pass which consumes 3 to 4 hours of extra travel time. Now that Rohtang pass has been closed after heavy snowfall and will open next year, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has said that petroleum products can be transported through the tunnel.

However, these vehicles will be allowed only once a week. Most of the petroleum supply to Ladakh and Lahaul has already been sent via Rohtang pass. Only a few vehicles will be plying through the tunnel till next summer season. Letting petroleum vehicles through tunnel will ensure adequate supply in Lahaul valley even after snowfall.

A BRO official said that Wednesday has been fixed as a day when vehicles carrying petroleum vehicles can ply through the tunnel. “As per directions from the Centre, petroleum vehicles can also use the tunnel. Movement of such vehicles will be regulated according to the state’s standard operating procedure,” he said.

According to sources, vehicles ferrying the petroleum products will have to park vehicles near the tunnel with its engine switched off so that temperature of the engine is brought down. This will minimize the chances of fire hazards inside the tunnel. All such vehicles will be sent in the mid-day in presence of fire vehicles and some local officials. This practice will continue until further order from the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, BRO has cleared snow from the Manali-Atal tunnel and Sissu-Atal tunnel highways. The deposit of black ice will allow movement of only four-wheel-drive vehicles. BRO officials said that vehicular movement through the tunnel will be allowed even at night time after first week of December.

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