Discover the World’s Longest Highway Tunnel Above 10,000 Feet: Atal Tunnel

Introduction: Known as the Rohtang Tunnel, the Atal Tunnel is a thrilling engineering marvel that connects Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley in India. Named after the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this remarkable tunnel is designed to significantly reduce travel time and establish all-weather connectivity on the Manali-Leh highway.

Strange Name, Powerful Impact

What is Atal Tunnel? The Atal Tunnel is a horseshoe-shaped highway tunnel that spans 9.02 km, making it the longest highway tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet. It is located in the Pir Panjal Ranges under the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, India. Its construction has significantly reduced travel time on the Manali-Leh highway by approximately 4-5 hours, enhancing connectivity for the region.

A Historical and Technical Marvel

Naming and Certification: The tunnel, originally known as the Rohtang Tunnel, was officially certified as the 'World's Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet' by the World Book of Records during a prestigious ceremony on February 9, 2022, in New Delhi. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), led by Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, received this accolade for their exceptional achievement in building this engineering marvel.

The Construction Challenge

Engineering Marvel and Human Effort: The construction of Atal Tunnel was a formidable task that tested both technical skills and human endurance. The project was completed in extremely harsh and challenging terrain, where temperatures could drop to -25 degrees Celsius during winter and soar to nearly 45 degrees Celsius inside the tunnel. The project also faced the challenges of fragile geology and the potential flooding caused by the Seri Nala seepage.

Impact and Future Outlook

Impact on Connectivity: Prior to the construction of the Atal Tunnel, the Manali-Leh highway often remained closed for six months during winter, isolating Lahaul and Spiti from the mainland. The tunnel has not only reduced the distance on the Manali-Sarchu road by 46 kilometers but has also significantly shortened the travel time, providing all-weather connectivity to the region.

More Engineering Marvels to Come

Expansion and New Roads: As part of the ongoing development of the Leh-Manali highway, the construction of the Shinku La Tunnel is expected to be completed by 2025. This new tunnel, combined with the existing Atal Tunnel, will contribute to the all-weather connectivity of the new Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, further enhancing the region's infrastructure and accessibility.