June 4, 2024
Distance from Property: 15 km
The Atal Tunnel, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is a marvel of engineering located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is one of the longest highway tunnels in the world, stretching approximately 9.02 kilometers (5.6 miles) in length.
The tunnel serves as a year-round passage between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti Valley, significantly reducing the travel distance and time, especially during the harsh winter months when the Rohtang Pass gets snowed in and becomes inaccessible. It has brought about a revolution in connectivity for the region, providing a vital link to remote areas and improving socio-economic opportunities for the local communities.
The construction of the Atal Tunnel involved cutting through the rocky terrain of the Pir Panjal range, overcoming challenges such as high altitudes, extreme weather conditions, and complex geological formations. It has been hailed as a feat of modern engineering and has greatly enhanced accessibility and tourism in the region.