Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang at an altitude of above 3,000 metres in Himachal Pradesh to provide new strength to the country’s border infrastructure. 

About

• The 9.02 km-long-tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is the world’s longest highway tunnel and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
  • The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres
  • The North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3,071 Metres.
• It provides all-weather connectivity to the landlocked valley of Lahaul-Spiti, which remains cut-off for nearly six months in a year as the Rohtang Pass is usually snow-bound between November and April.
• The tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 metres (10,000 feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).
• The tunnel was constructed using drill and blast NATM (New Austria Tunnelling Method) techniques.
  

Significance of the development

• Round-the-year connectivity: Before the tunnel construction, the Lahaul Valley used to remain closed for vehicular movement due to bad weather conditions. Now, the people of the Valley will have round-the-year road connectivity.
• Reduction in distance: The tunnel reduces the distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh and the travel time by about 4 to 5 hours.
• Better connectivity to the armed forces: The tunnel, also significant from the military logistics viewpoint, will provide better connectivity to the armed forces in reaching Ladakh.
• Boost tourism: It is expected to boost tourism and winter sports in the region.