Rohtang Tunnel aka Atal Tunnel is built at the length of 9.02 km, and is the longest tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet (3,048 m). The horseshoe shaped single-tube, double-lane tunnel has a roadway of 8 metres and an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. Built at a cost of Rs 3,300 crore the tunnel plays a significant role in India’s defence strategy.
The historic decision to built the tunnel was taken by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government on June 3, 2000 and the foundation stone was laid on May 26, 2002. Atal Jee got the idea of the tunnel on a suggestion from his friend Arjun Gopal of Tashi Dobhe village in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. The tunnel was named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to honour the former prime minister who passed away in 2018. Inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on 3 October 2020, the tunnel reduces the travel time and overall distance between Manali and Keylong on the way to Leh.
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During winters the tunnel looks even more mesmerizing after the whole area gets covered with snow, below are some pictures of Rohtang Tunnel during snowfall:
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