PM Modi inaugurates Atal Tunnel - World's longest road tunnel above 10,000 feet

The Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass was inaugrated by Pm Narendra Modi on Saturday.“With this tunnel 46 kilometer is reduced and the saving of time is four hours. Lahaul and Spiti is getting all weather connectivity,” said Colonel Parikshit Mehra said Director of Atal Tunnel Project.

In Pics | World's longest road tunnel above 10,000 feet

The longest road tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet, the newly constructed Atal Tunnel at Rohtang was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 3. Credit: Reuters

Connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley, the 9.02-kilometre long tunnel will be available for commuting all through the year, unlike before wherein the valley was cut off during the winter period due to heavy snowfall. Credit: PTI

Built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Pinjal Himalayan range, the Atal Tunnel is one of the highest tunnels at altitude of 3000 metres (10,000 feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL). Credit: PTI

Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass will have single-tube and have width of a double lane with a roadway of 8.8 metres and has an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. Credit: Reuters

It was a decision by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government to construct the tunnel in 2000, and the foundation stone of the south portal was laid on May 26, 2002. Credit: PTI

The Modi government decided to pay their tributes to the former Prime Minister and his plans by renaming the Rohtang Tunnel to Atal Tunnel. Credit: PTI

The Atal Tunnel is horseshoe-shaped, and has been planned to accommodate a density of 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks per day. The maximum speed of travel has been placed at 80 kmph. Credit: Reuters

State-owned SAIL said it has supplied over 9,000 tonnes of steel for the construction of the megaproject. Credit: AFP

PM Narendra Modi said that the Atal Tunnel will change the fortunes of the region and help promote tourism. Credit: PTI