Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel Atal Tunnel at its south portal in Manali. The 9.02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier, heavy snowfall caused complete cutoff for about 6 months each year in valley. The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications. It is located in Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from Mean Sea Level (MSL).
The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 KMs between Manali and Leh. The time further reduces by about 4 to 5 hours. It has state of the art electromechanical systems including semi transverse ventilation, SCADA controlled fire-fighting, illumination and monitoring systems. The Tunnel has ample safety features built into it.
Modi travelled in the tunnel from the South Portal to the North Portal. He also visited the emergency egress tunnel that was built into the main tunnel itself. He also witnessed a pictorial exhibition on “The Making of Atal Tunnel” on the occasion. In his address, PM termed the day as historic as it only fructifies the vision of the former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee but also the decades old wish and dream of crores of people from the region. Atal ji laid the foundation of the approach road for this tunnel in 2002.
He said Atal Tunnel is going to be lifeline for large part of Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Leh-Ladakh. The tunnel would reduce the distance between Manali and Keylong by 3-4 hours. The tunnel ensures connectivity parts of Himachal Pradesh and Leh-Ladakh with the rest of the country. This would witness speedier economic progress. Such border connectivity projects will also aid security forces in ensuring regular supplies to them and also in their patrolling.
The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the engineers, technicians and workers who risked their lives in making this dream come true. Taking care of the needs of the security forces of the country is one of the highest priorities of the government. To match rising global stature of India, country has to improve its infrastructure, economic and strategic potential at same speed. The Atal Tunnel is a shining example of the country’s resolve to become AatmaNirbhar.
