Introduction of Atal Tunnel Rohtang

Atal Tunnel Rohtang, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is a strategic tunnel connecting Manali to Leh in the Indian Himalayas. The tunnel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 3, 2020, reduces the travel time between Manali and Leh by half, from the previous journey of over 8-10 hours to just 4-5 hours. The tunnel is named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Atal Tunnel Rohtang is 9.02 km long and is located at an elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world and is built at a cost of over 3,000 crore rupees. The tunnel was constructed with the help of modern tunneling technology and was completed in just 7 years, making it one of the fastest tunnel construction projects in India.

How was the Atal Tunnel named

The Atal Tunnel was named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a tribute to his contributions to the nation’s infrastructure development and his commitment to the upliftment of remote and economically weaker regions of the country. Vajpayee was known for his visionary leadership and his efforts to connect remote parts of India through modern infrastructure projects. The naming of the tunnel after him is a fitting recognition of his legacy and his commitment to the development of India.

Where is Atal Tunnel Situated

Atal Tunnel is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and connects the Manali and Lahaul-Spiti valleys. It is one of the world’s longest highway tunnels, 9.02 km in length, at an elevation of 10,040 ft. It is named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Furthermore, The Atal Tunnel Rohtang reduces the travel time between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti by several hours and also provides all-weather connectivity to the remote Lahaul-Spiti Valley throughout the year.

It was inaugurated in October 2020 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Atal Tunnel in which state

The Atal Tunnel is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, The Atal Tunnel, also known as the Atal Tunnel Rohtang, is a strategically important infrastructure project in India. It provides a reliable all-weather route to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, which was previously cut off from the rest of the country for up to six months each year due to heavy snowfall.

The tunnel has a height of 8 meters and a width of 10 meters, allowing the movement of vehicles with a maximum height of 4.5 meters and two-way traffic. Moreover, it is expected to boost tourism, provide access to markets and healthcare facilities, and support the overall economic development of the region.

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Atal tunnel comes under which mountain range?

The Atal Tunnel is located under the Rohtang Pass, which is part of the Pir Panjal mountain range in the Indian Himalayas. The Rohtang Pass is located at an elevation of 13,050 ft above sea level and is a major tourist attraction in the region, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The Atal Tunnel, located beneath the Rohtang Pass, provides a reliable all-weather road connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, reducing the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and the travel time by several hours.

The construction of the tunnel was a challenging engineering feat, as it had to pass through difficult terrain, high-altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. The tunnel features state-of-the-art safety features, including fire detection and suppression systems, ventilation systems, and an advanced traffic management system.

what is the total cost incurred for project Atal Tunnel

The estimated cost of the Atal Tunnel Rohtang project was around Rs. 3,500 crore (approximately $500 million USD). The Atal Tunnel Rohtang project was initiated to provide a reliable all-weather road link to the remote and mountainous Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. The tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), a unit of the Indian Ministry of Defense, with the technical support of several national and international organizations. The construction of the tunnel took over a decade to complete. During this time, it involved excavation of over 9 km of hard rock using tunnel-boring machines, as well as the construction of portals, escape tunnels, and other infrastructure.

The tunnel features advanced safety features, including fire detection and suppression systems, ventilation systems, and an advanced traffic management system. Moreover, experts anticipate that the Atal Tunnel will boost tourism, provide access to markets and healthcare facilities, and support the overall economic development of the region. Consequently, this will aid in improving the lives of the local people.

Safety Measure of Atal Tunnel

The Atal Tunnel Rohtang has several key features that make it one of the safest and most modern tunnels in the world. The tunnel is equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation systems, fire-fighting systems, and communication systems to ensure the safety of the travelers. Additionally, the tunnel also has several escape routes and cross-passages to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers in case of an emergency.

They have designed the Atal Tunnel to be environmentally friendly, with a low carbon footprint. They have constructed the tunnel using eco-friendly materials and techniques, and they have minimized the impact on the local environment in the design of the construction process. Moreover, the Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Tunnel also has a solar power plant that provides clean energy to the tunnel and the surrounding areas.

Specifications

• The Border Road Organization (BRO) has made Atal Tunnel, which is the longest tunnel in a single tube.
• They have constructed a double lane road in this tunnel, which is 10 meters wide, equivalent to 33 feet.
• The length of the Atal tunnel is 9. km, which reduces the distance from 40 to 42 km.
• Authorities have fixed the speed of vehicles running in Atal Tunnel at 40 km per hour at the beginning and end, and 60 km per hour in the middle distance.
• The route of Atal Tunnel passes through National Highway NH-3.
• Tunnel work started from 28 September 2008 to 4 October 2020.
• The Border Road Organization (BRO) under the Ministry of Defense has carried out the work of Atal Tunnel.
• They built the tunnel with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 meters (10,000 feet) above the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

Challenges during construction

The Atal Tunnel Rohtang offers all-weather connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti valley, which heavy snowfall and landslides previously cut off from the rest of the world for over 6 months each year. This tunnel provides an alternate and safe route for the people living in the region and for the tourists who visit the valley for adventure sports and cultural tourism.

The Atal tunnel is a great example of the Indian government’s commitment to the development of remote and economically weaker regions of the country. The tunnel has not only improved the connectivity between Manali and Leh, but it has also opened up new opportunities for the local people. Consequently, they can now engage in tourism and trade throughout the year. Additionally, the tunnel has helped to create new employment opportunities in the region, including in the fields of hospitality, transportation, and tourism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Atal Tunnel Rohtang is a strategic infrastructure project. Furthermore, it has greatly improved the connectivity between Manali and Leh and has opened up new opportunities for the local people and tourists. The tunnel is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to the development of remote and economically weaker regions of the country, and is a shining example of modern engineering and environmental sustainability.

Prime Minister statement of Atal tunnel

Atal Tunnel is going to be the lifeline of a large part of Himachal Pradesh as well as the new Union Territory of Leh-Ladakh. Now, the rest of the country will always be connected to this vast area of Himachal Pradesh and Leh-Ladakh, enabling faster movement on the path of development.

Achievements of Atal tunnel

The World Book of Records formally confirmed Atal Tunnel as the ‘World’s Longest Expressway Passage over 10,000 Feet’ during a milestone function held on February 09, 2022, in New Delhi.

Chief General of Border Road Organization (BRO), Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry got the honor for the fabulous accomplishment of the association in building this designing wonder interfacing Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley.

World Book of Records in the Assembled Catalogue is an association that lists and checks extraordinary records across the world with true certificate.

How to reach

Generally, there are three ways to reach Atal Tunnel which is given below :

By Air

The nearest airport to the Atal Tunnel is the Kullu-Manali Airport, also known as Bhuntar Airport, located in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, from there, one can reach the Atal Tunnel by road, either by hiring a taxi or using public transport. The distance between Kullu-Manali Airport and the Atal Tunnel is approximately 50 km and the journey takes around 2 hours by road.

By Railways

Tunnel is in Himachal Pradesh, India. The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh, which is well connected to major cities in India by trains. From Chandigarh, one can reach the Tunnel by hiring a taxi or by taking a local bus.

By Road

The Tunnel is located in Himachal Pradesh, India and is accessible by road. You can reach the tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway from either Manali or Leh.

If you are coming from Manali, take the national highway (NH 21) towards Leh and after crossing the Rohtang Pass, the Atal Tunnel will be located on the right side of the road. If you are coming from Leh, take the national highway (NH 21) towards Manali and the Tunnel will be located on the left side of the road after passing through Sissu and Chhatru.

Before setting out on your journey, it’s advisable to check the road conditions. As the area often experiences heavy snowfall in winter, this can consequently lead to possible roadblocks.

Itinerary

Visiting the Tunnel can be an exciting experience, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the engineering marvel that it is. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your visit:

Day 1: Arrival

Morning: Arrival in Manali

• Arrive in Manali, which serves as the base for visiting the Atal Tunnel.
• Check into your accommodation and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Manali

• Spend the afternoon exploring Manali.
• Visit attractions like Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, and Vashisht Temple.
• Enjoy local cuisine at one of the restaurants in Old Manali.

Evening: Relax

• Relax and unwind at your accommodation.
• Prepare for the next day’s journey.

Day 2: Visit to Atal Tunnel

Morning: Departure for Atal Tunnel

• Have an early breakfast and prepare for the journey to Atal Tunnel.
• Depart for Atal Tunnel, which is approximately 25 kilometers from Manali.
• Ensure you have necessary permits if required.

Mid-morning: Visit Atal Tunnel

• Arrive at Atal Tunnel and marvel at its engineering brilliance.
• Take a guided tour if available to learn about the construction and significance of the tunnel.
• Capture stunning photographs of the surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: Exploration

• Explore the area around Atal Tunnel.
• Take short hikes or walks to enjoy the scenic beauty.
• Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the mountains.

Late Afternoon: Return to Manali

• Start your journey back to Manali in the late afternoon.
• Take breaks along the way to appreciate the scenery.
• Arrive in Manali by evening.

Evening: Leisure time

• Spend the evening at leisure in Manali.
• Relax at your accommodation or explore the local markets for souvenirs.

Day 3: Departure

Morning: Optional Activities

• Depending on your departure time, you may engage in optional activities such as river rafting, paragliding, or visiting nearby attractions.

Afternoon: Departure

• Check out from your accommodation.
• Depart from Manali, either heading back home or continuing your journey to other destinations.

Top nearby Attraction places of Atal tunnel

The Tunnel is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, near the Rohtang Pass. Some nearby tourist attractions are:

• Rohtang Pass: A high-altitude pass located 51 km from Manali, known for its scenic beauty and adventurous activities.
• Solang Valley: A popular tourist destination for adventure sports such as paragliding, zorbing, and skiing.
• Manali: A popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like trekking, rafting, and skiing.
• Keylong: A town in Lahaul and Spiti district, known for its Buddhist monasteries and natural beauty.
• Tandi: A village known for its unique feature of two rivers merging, Chandra and Bhaga.
• Lahaul and Spiti Valley: A remote and scenic region known for its traditional Buddhist culture, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude deserts.

Things to do at Atal Tunnel

• Visit the Atal Tunnel Memorial Park
• Explore the surrounding areas of the Tunnel
• Hiking in the nearby mountains
• Visit the nearby hot springs
• Go for camping and trekking in the surrounding areas.

Precautions measures to deal with in Atal Tunnel visit

• Try not to stop vehicle inside the passage (on the off chance that you are driving the vehicle)
• Try not to surpass inside the passage (assuming you are driving the vehicle)
• Try not to sound inside the passage (assuming you are driving the vehicle)
• Try not to litter the region.
• Continuously convey comfortable garments with you as climate nearby areas.
• In the event that meeting in winter season, be careful with dark ice on street surface.
• While taking photo, don’t remain close to torrential slide or avalanche inclined region.

Nearby Places to visit in Manali

• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Dungri Van Vihaar
• Mall Road Manali
• Solang Valley
• Vashisht temple
• Rohtang Pass
• Old Manali
• Nehru Kund
• Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
• The Great Himalayan National Park
• Jogini Waterfall
• Kullu
• Hampta Pass
• Ghatotkach Tree Temple
• Sissu, Koksar, Gulaba

Travel accessories

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Camera and Accessories

• Travel Adapter and Power Bank

• Day Pack or Tote Bag

• Reusable Water Bottle

• Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

FAQ

Disclaimer

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