Length: 9.02 km
Constructed in: 2020
Constructed by: Border Road Organisation
The World Book of Records formally recognised Atal Tunnel in February 2022 as the “World’s Longest Motorway Tunnel Above 10,000 Feet.” An organisation called World Book of Records UK compiles and authenticates amazing records from throughout the globe. It was built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). In addition, the Atal Tunnel, which cuts the distance between Solang Valley and Sissu by roughly 46 kilometres, travels through the western portion of the Rohtang Pass in around 15 minutes. Previously, the travel time between the two places was over 4 hours. The Rohtang Pass is situated in the Himachal Pradesh state at 3,978 metres. It is found in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayan mountain chain.
What importance does Atal Tunnel have?
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All-weather Access:
The Atal tunnel is the initial step in providing Ladakh with all-year accessibility. The tunnel has the ability to connect Ladakh to Manali and Chandigarh all year long because it avoids the winter-snow-blocked Rohtang Pass.
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Strategic Importance
By providing year-round communication to border regions, the tunnel gives the nation’s military forces a strategic edge. As they advance towards advanced positions, supplies and troops will be saved a whole day.
Accessibility of Basic Services
With the help of this new tunnel, Ladakh inhabitants who previously had to endure great hardship to access even essential services like medical and food supplies can now go to Manali and integrate with the rest of the nation. A benefit for farmers is that their prized commodities, like peas and potatoes, won’t have to rot in lorries before reaching markets, thanks to reduced transit time.
Tourism Boost
The valley and the state have seen progress in the socio-economic spheres, and the region has experienced an unparalleled surge in visitor arrivals
Connectivity
Since it provides secure, all-weather access to distant areas and ultimately to the rest of India, this famous tunnel in the Himalayas has changed the game for the Spiti and Lahaul districts in Himachal Pradesh. The tunnel’s north entrance is located in Sissu in the Lahaul Valley, situated at a height of 10,171 feet, while the south entrance is close to Manali and at an altitude of 9840 feet. Along with ensuring safety, the tunnel has cut the distance between Keylong and Manali by 46 kilometres, sparing more than two to three hours of journey time.
According to estimates, the tunnel was constructed at an expenditure of INR 3200 crore and is the first underground passageway in the world to provide 4G internet service. In the tunnel, there are CCTV cameras every 60 metres, and the control room is used for surveillance. The tunnel also has emergency escape hatches placed every 150 metres.
