The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel situated in the magnificent Himalayas, serves as a critical infrastructural link connecting the Lahaul-Spiti valley to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. This remarkable tunnel stretches approximately 9.02 kilometers beneath the Rohtang Pass, enhancing accessibility to remote regions that were otherwise isolated during harsh winter months. Officially inaugurated on October 3, 2020, the tunnel is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, acknowledging his contributions to the development of the region. The significance of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang extends beyond its impressive length and construction. By providing an all-weather route, it has transformed travel dynamics in the area, allowing for timely transportation of goods and services as well as improved emergency access for residents. The tunnel's strategic location is pivotal not only for enhancing mobility but also for fostering tourism, as visitors can now experience the scenic beauty of Lahaul-Spiti and the surrounding mountain landscapes without seasonal obstacles. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang is a marvel of modern engineering, utilizing advanced technology to ensure its durability and safety. The tunnel features a sophisticated ventilation system, emergency exit provisions, and robust lighting, making it a safe passage even under challenging conditions. Its design is tailored to accommodate vehicular movement in both directions, with the capacity to handle a considerable volume of traffic. The Atal Tunnel undeniably plays a vital role in the development and integration of the remote Himalayan regions, elevating their potential for economic growth and enhancing the overall travel experience for both locals and tourists. The Engineering Feat Behind Atal Tunnel The Atal Tunnel, a remarkable engineering accomplishment, spans an impressive length of 9.02 kilometers beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass in the Indian Himalayas. This tunnel is not only a vital link between the Lahaul-Spiti Valley and
The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel situated in the magnificent Himalayas, serves as a critical infrastructural link connecting the Lahaul-Spiti valley to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. This remarkable tunnel stretches approximately 9.02 kilometers beneath the Rohtang Pass, enhancing accessibility to remote regions that were otherwise isolated during harsh winter months. Officially inaugurated on October
As Atal tunnel, Rohtang, the longest tunnel in the world above altitude of 3,000m, is expected to be a major tourist attraction of Himachal, the chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said this tunnel will start a concept of "tunnel tourism" for the first time in the country. The infrastructure is being developed at both portals of the tunnel where tourism activities will be available for the tourists. The government is further planning to start different tourism activities here to attract more tourists. Government has also planned to run glass top vistadome buses on this route especially for the tourists. “Atal tunnel will open door to tunnel tourism which will be a new concept of tourism in the country. Both the portals of the tunnel will be developed on tourism point of view. People will come to see this engineering marvel at this altitude. Also, the approach road to the tunnel is full of scenery that offers view of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, towering peaks and glacial-fed rivers. The tunnel will also open doors to flourishing tourism in the Lahaul valley,” the CM said. He said that originally the tunnel was designed 8.8km in length but the resh GPS readings after completion of the work showed that it was 9.02km-long. “This tunnel will be credited as world’s longest motorable tunnel at altitude of 3,000m. This tunnel is also a result of friendship of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Tashi Dawa, a resident of Tholang village of Lahaul. As both wanted to find an alternate to lengthy and dangerous travel across Rohtang pass, the idea of the tunnel was conceived long back. Finally, work on approach road begun in 2002 and work on tunnel began in 2010,” he added. Expedite work to give final touch to Atal tunnel for inauguration by
As Atal tunnel, Rohtang, the longest tunnel in the world above altitude of 3,000m, is expected to be a major tourist attraction of Himachal, the chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said this tunnel will start a concept of “tunnel tourism” for the first time in the country. The infrastructure is being developed at both portals
