2409:4042:412:5907:C651:27E4:65BF:7D90 at 14:31, 16 November 2021

2021-11-16T14:31:23Z

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{{Short description|Highway tunnel of the Himalayas}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox tunnel
|name = Atal Tunnel
|image = File:PM Modi in Atal Tunnel 2020.jpg
|image_size = 260px
|caption = Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inaugaration of the tunnel
|location = [[Rohtang]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]] {{flagicon|India}}
|coordinates = {{coord|32.401270|77.148335|type:tunnel_region:IN|display=inline}}
|route = [[File:NH3-IN.svg|20px|link=|alt=C2]] [[National Highway 3 (India)|NH 3]]<br />
[[Leh–Manali Highway]]
|status = {{green|Active}}
|start =
|end =
|startwork = 28 September 2008
|opened = 12 December 2020
|close =
|owner =
|operator = [[Border Roads Organisation]]
|traffic = Motor vehicles
|character =
|toll =
|vpd =
|construction =
|length = {{convert|9.02|km}}
|lanes = Two (one in each direction)
|speed = {{convert|40-60|km/h|abbr=on}}
|hielevation =
|lowelevation =
|width = {{convert|10|m}}
|grade =
}}

'''Atal Tunnel''' (also known as '''Rohtang Tunnel''')<ref name="Atal tunnel TOI 2020">{{cite news|date=13 August 2020|title=Atal Tunnel renamed as 'Atal Tunnel, Rohtang'|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/atal-tunnel-renamed-as-atal-tunnel-rohtang/articleshow/77513661.cms|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> is a highway tunnel built under the [[Rohtang Pass]] in the eastern [[Pir Panjal]] range of the [[Himalayas]] on the [[Leh-Manali Highway]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]].<ref name="Atal tunnel TOI 2020"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=News|first=Indian Defence|title=9-km-long Atal Tunnel an engineering marvel|url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2020/10/9-km-long-atal-tunnel-engineering-marvel.html|access-date=3 October 2020|website=Indian Defense News, Indian Armed Forces, IDRW, Defence}}</ref> At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest highway single-tube tunnel above {{convert|10000|ft|m|0}} in the world when completed and is named after former [[Prime Minister of India]], [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/atal-tunnel-how-worlds-2nd–longest-tunnel-above-10000-feet-at-rohtang-pass-will-make-use-of-automation-solutions/2095983/|title=Atal Tunnel: How world's longest tunnel above 10,000 feet at Rohtang pass will make use of automation solutions|date=1 October 2020}}</ref> With the existing Atal Tunnel and after the completion of under-construction [[Shingo La#Shingo La Tunnel|Shingo La Tunnel]], which is targeted to be completed by 2024, both the Leh-Manali Highway and the [[Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road]] routes will become all-weather roads.<ref name=comp1>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/defence-ministry-clears-the-bro-tunnel-under-shinkun-la-in-ladakh-101621414374031.html Defence ministry clears the BRO tunnel under Shinkun La in Ladakh], [[Hindustan Times]], 19 May 2021.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-25|title=Govt pushes hard to complete 1st all-weather route to Ladakh|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-pushes-hard-to-complete-1st-all-weather-route-to-ladakh/story-bG46RSR4r0xZ2V1jvP5vLM.html|access-date=2021-01-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

The tunnel reduces the travel time and overall distance between [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] and [[Kyelang|Keylong]] on the way to [[Leh]]. The route, which previously went through Gramphu, was {{convert|116|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} long and took 5 to 6 hours in good conditions. A traveller now reaches the South Portal of the tunnel from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]], a distance of {{convert|24.4|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} in about 45 minutes, goes through the {{convert|9.02|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} long tunnel in about 15 minutes, and reaches [[Kyelang|Keylong]] which is {{convert|37|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} away in about 60 minutes. The new route via the tunnel brings down the total distance travelled to {{convert|71|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} which can be covered in about 2 hours, a reduction of around 3 to 4 hours when compared to the earlier route. Moreover, the tunnel bypasses most of the sites that were prone to road blockades, avalanches, and traffic snarls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewshimachal.com/2011/03/importance-of-rohtang-tunnel-for-lahaul-pangi-residence/ |title=Importance of Rohtang Tunnel for Lahaul & Pangi resident |publisher=The News Himachal |access-date=29 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=29 August 2020|title=Explained: What is the strategic importance of Atal Tunnel at Rohtang?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-strategic-importance-of-the-rohtang-tunnel-6572025/|access-date=29 August 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

The tunnel is at an elevation of {{convert|3100|m|ft|0}} whereas the Rohtang Pass is at an elevation of {{convert|3978|m|ft|0}}. It was inaugurated by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] on 3 October 2020. The cost of the entire project is ₹3,200 [[crore]] (US$438 million).<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=3 October 2020|title=World's longest highway tunnel opened in Himachal Pradesh|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-inaugurates-atal-tunnel-at-rohtang/article32757824.ece|access-date=4 October 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel - Atal Tunnel, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on October 03, 2020 (1).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] inaugurating the Atal Tunnel in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on 3 October 2020. Along with [[Rajnath Singh]], [[Jai Ram Thakur]] and [[Bipin Rawat]]]]

===In 19th Century===
The Moravian Mission first talked about the possibility of a tunnel through Rohtang Pass to reach Lahaul in 1860.<ref name="BRO 2021">{{cite web |title=Atal Tunnel, Rohtang |url=http://bro.gov.in/WriteReadData/linkimages/9390242669-t2.pdf |publisher=Border Roads Organization}}</ref>

===In 20th Century===
The proposal for the construction of a tunnel across Rohtang Pass was first conceived in 1942 by Dr. [[John Bicknell Auden]], [[Geological Survey of India]] (GSI) who at that time visited this pass intending to divert the water of Chandra river to Beas.<ref name="BRO 2021"/>

Later, [[Jawaharlal Nehru|Prime Minister Nehru]] discussed a rope way to Rohtang Pass with local tribes.
The tunnel project was finally conceived in 1983.<ref>{{cite news |author=Vijay Mohan |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120709/main6.htm |title=Unexpected water ingress delays boring of Rohtang Tunnel |newspaper=The Tribune |location=Chandigarh |agency=TNS |date=9 July 2012 |accessdate=29 July 2012}}</ref>

===In recent time: towards construction===
When [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] became the Prime Minister, locals suggested his childhood friend Arjun Gopal visit him to talk about Rohtang Tunnel. Gopal and two companions, Chhering Dorje and Abhay Chand, moved to [[Delhi]]. After a year of discussions, Vajpayee went to [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul]] in June 2000 and declared that the Rohtang Tunnel would be constructed.<ref name="atalbd1" /> [[RITES]] conducted a feasibility study.

In 2000, the project was estimated to cost ₹500 crore and be completed in seven years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/jun/07jk.htm |title=PM reiterates desire for peace with Pak |publisher=Rediff.com |date=7 June 2000 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> On 26 May 2002, the [[Border Roads Organisation]] (BRO), a tri-service organisation of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Defence Ministry]] specialising in road and bridge construction in difficult terrains, headed by Lt. Gen. Prakash Suri, PVSM, was put in charge of construction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PIB Press Releases|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/rmay2002/06052002/r0605200219.html|access-date=3 October 2020|website=pibarchive.nic.in}}</ref> The approach road to the tunnel entrance was inaugurated by [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].

However the project did not move beyond the tree-felling stage by May 2003. By December 2004, the cost estimate had grown to ₹900 crore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=5296 |title=Construction of Rohtang Tunnel |publisher=Pib.nic.in |date=2 December 2004 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> In May 2007, the government of [[Manmohan Singh|Dr. Manmohan Singh]] awarded the contract to [[SMEC Holdings|SMEC]] (Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation) International Private Limited, an Australian company, and the completion date was revised to 2014. However, there was no progress for the next three years, until May 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.headlinesindia.com/state-news/himachal-pradesh/rohtang-tunnel-work-likely-to-start-next-month-17060.html |title=Rohtang tunnel work likely to start next month |publisher=Headlinesindia.com |date=16 July 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125032802/http://www.headlinesindia.com/state-news/himachal-pradesh/rohtang-tunnel-work-likely-to-start-next-month-17060.html |archive-date=25 January 2013 }}</ref>

Finally, the [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] in UPA government cleared the Rohtang Tunnel Project. The work was awarded to a joint venture of [[Afcons Infrastructure|AFCONS Infrastructure Limited]], an Indian construction company of [[Shapoorji Pallonji Group]], and [[STRABAG|STRABAG AG]], Austria, in September 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afcons.com/partners.html |title=Afcons Infrastructure : Partners |publisher=Afcons.com |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227070440/http://www.afcons.com/partners.html |archive-date=27 December 2011 }}</ref> The drilling of the Rohtang Tunnel through the Himalayan ranges began on 28 June 2010 at the South Portal, {{convert|25|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} north of [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]. Some of the anchoring and slope stabilisation work was subcontracted to Spar Geo Infra Pvt Ltd.

Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] renamed the tunnel as the Atal Tunnel, in honour of Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on 25 December 2019, Vajpayee's birthday.<ref name="atalbd1">[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-nod-for-water-scheme-renaming-of-tunnel-after-vajpayee/article30391004.ece Cabinet nod for water scheme, renaming of tunnel after Vajpayee], The Hindu, 24 December 2019.</ref>

The Atal Tunnel has been planned to ensure an all-seasons, all-weather road route to strategically important areas of [[Ladakh]] and the remote [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul-Spiti valley]]. However, the tunnel will provide this connectivity only up to [[Darcha]], north of Keylong in the Lahaul region of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Connectivity to Ladakh will require more tunnels: either at Shikun La, or at the passes located on the present Leh-Manali road.

==Timeline==
Total length of tunnel is 9.02 km.
*The project was announced by the then Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] on 3 June 2000. The work was entrusted to [[Border Roads Organisation|BRO]] on 6 May 2002.<ref name="HT 2017">{{Cite web|date=11 September 2017|title=Engineering marvel: India's highest tunnel to see light of day in October|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/engineering-marvel-india-s-highest-tunnel-to-see-light-of-day-in-october/story-aVRU5NtXtMdYbFwHyajjxI.html|access-date=3 October 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
*The foundation stone of the project was laid on 28 June 2010 by [[Sonia Gandhi]] in her capacity as the Chairperson of [[National Advisory Council]].<ref name="HT 2017"/>
* As of June 2012, two years after the start of the project, 3.5 km of the tunnel digging had been completed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailypioneer.com/nation/70678-rivulet-gushes-out-during-rohtang-tunnel-digging.html|title=Rivulet gushes out during Rohtang tunnel digging|work=The Pioneer|location=India |date=5 June 2012 |access-date=17 June 2012}}</ref>
* Only a little progress was made in the next one year due to heavy ingress of water at serri nullah fault zone, that required constant dewatering and slowed the digging and blasting to a crawl.
* As of October 2013, a little more than 4 km of the tunnel had been dug. However, about 30 m portion of the roof of the tunnel collapsed towards the north portal on 17 October 2013 and the digging had to be stopped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/part-of-rohtang-tunnel-collapses-work-halted-434316|title=Part of Rohtang Tunnel Collapses|publisher=NDTV.com |date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
* As of September 2014, 4.4 km of the tunnel, i.e., half of 8.8 km planned length had been dug.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=109874|title=BRO Annual Chief Engineers' Conference 2014 : A Curtain Raiser|website=pib.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/Rohtang-tunnel-may-not-be-ready-before-2019/articleshow/48675331.cms|title=Rohtang tunnel may not be ready before 2019 | Shimla News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* As of December 2016, 7.6 km of the tunnel digging had been completed. Excavation was expected to be completed in 2017, with opening in the second half of 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hillpost.in/2017/01/rohtang-tunnel-records-best-yearly-progress-in-2016/107884/|title=Rohtang Tunnel Records Best Yearly Progress in 2016 - Hill Post|website=hillpost.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/Defence-ministry-checks-Rohtang-Tunnel-progress/articleshow/55426709.cms|title=Rohtang tunnel project: Defence ministry checks Rohtang Tunnel progress | Shimla News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* As on 13 October 2017 both ends of the tunnel met. The [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]], [[Nirmala Sitharaman]], visited the site on 15 October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/union-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-on-rohtang-tunnel-tour|title=रोहतांग टनल का निरीक्षण करने पहुंच रहीं रक्षा मंत्री, बीआरओ अधिकारियों के साथ करेंगी बैठक|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/himachal-polls-2017-quiet-opening-to-rohtangtunnel-amid-election-din/story-joy4mvfOmw4uDsilNt48LI.html|title=Himachal polls-2017: Quiet opening to Rohtang tunnel amid election din|date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
* As on 22 November 2017, it was decided to allow patients to be carried through the under-construction tunnel only in the gravest of emergency when the helicopter service was not available and not to allow civilians to enter the tunnel before completion due to risks of falling rocks, lack of oxygen in the tunnel as ventilation system was yet to be installed, etc. and likely interruption in construction work due to presence of civilians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/rohtang-tunnel-to-be-used-only-in-severe-medical-emergency/articleshow/61746076.cms|title=Rohtang tunnel to be used only in severe medical emergency | Chandigarh News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* Sep 2018: the tunnel was used for evacuation of people stranded in Lahaul after sudden spell of bad weather blocked Rohtang La due to snowfall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himachal/210-rescued-from-koksar-lahaul-valley-658678|title=210 rescued from Koksar, Lahaul valley|first=Tribune News|last=Service|website=Tribuneindia News Service}}</ref>
* Jan 2019: 90% work completed. To be opened for emergency traffic by Oct-2019 end. To be opened for general traffic by Sep-2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/rohtang-tunnel-to-open-for-general-traffic-by-sept-2020-project-engineer/articleshow/71449120.cms|title='Rohtang tunnel to open for traffic by September 2020' | Shimla News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* Nov 2019: Bus service trial started through the yet-incomplete tunnel on 17 November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himachal/hrtc-starts-bus-via-rohtang-tunnel-862351|title=HRTC starts bus via Rohtang tunnel|first=Tribune News|last=Service|website=Tribuneindia News Service}}</ref> A [[Himachal Road Transport Corporation]] bus carrying 44 passengers entered tunnel from the south portal and the passengers alighted at the north portal. The bus service operated for next five winter months for residents of Lahaul and Spiti valleys. Private vehicles were not allowed through the tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/hrtc-launches-bus-service-across-rohtang-tunnel/north/news/1792112.html|title=HRTC launches bus service across Rohtang tunnel}}</ref>
* Dec 2019: On 25 December the tunnel, which was known as Rohtang tunnel till then, was officially renamed as the Atal Tunnel.
* Sept 2020: 100% completion of project.
* Oct 2020: The tunnel was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, [[Narendra Modi]] on 3 October 2020, in the presence of Minister of Defence, [[Rajnath Singh]] and [[List of chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh|Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jai Ram Thakur]] and Minister of State for Finance, [[Anurag Thakur]].

==Challenges==

The most challenging task was to continue the excavation during heavy snowfall in winter. Excavation for tunnelling was done from both ends. However, as Rohtang pass closes during the winter, the north portal was not accessible during winter and the excavation was being done only from the south portal in winters. Only about one-fourth of the entire tunnel was excavated from the north end and three-fourths was excavated from the south end. There were more than 46 avalanche sites on approaches to the tunnel.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-02/india/27873958_1_manali-km-long-tunnel-lahaul-valley | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116152700/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-02/india/27873958_1_manali-km-long-tunnel-lahaul-valley | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 November 2011 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=8.8-km tunnel to make Leh accessible in all seasons | date=2 January 2007}}</ref>

Other challenges to the progress of the tunnel included difficulties in disposing more than 8 [[lakh]] m³ of excavated rock and soil,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=59195|title=Latest News, Breaking News Live, Current Headlines, India News Online - The Indian Express|website=The Indian Express}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> heavy ingress of water (as much as 30 lakh litres per day in June 2012) that required constant dewatering, costlier treatment and slowed the progress of excavation from 5-metre per day to just half a metre a day and unstable rocks that slowed blasting and digging.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-19/india/35204208_1_rohtang-tunnel-longest-tunnel-ingress | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103103433/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-19/india/35204208_1_rohtang-tunnel-longest-tunnel-ingress | url-status=dead | archive-date=2013-01-03 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Water ingress, loose rocks delay boring of Rohtang tunnel}}</ref> A cloud-burst and flash flood on 8 August 2003 killed 42 labourers who were building the temporary access road.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030809/main1.htm |title=60 washed away in Kulu flash floods |work=The Tribune |location=Chandigarh |date=9 August 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> Questions were also raised on the impact of cutting down more than 700 trees on the ecology.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030811/main5.htm |title=Rohtang tunnel to affect area ecology, warn experts |work=The Tribune |location=Chandigarh |date=11 August 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref>

==Specifications==
The tunnel is intended to create an all-weather route to Leh and Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh.

Salient features of the Atal Tunnel are as follows:
:* Length: {{convert|9.02|km|mi|abbr=on|1}}
:* Shape (cross-section) of Tunnel: Horseshoe
:* Finished width: {{convert|10.00|m|ft|abbr=on|1}} at road level. (8m pavement and 1m footpath on both sides)
:* General altitude of the tunnel: {{convert|3000|-|3100|m|ft|-1|disp=or|abbr=on}}
:* Designated vehicular speed: {{convert|80|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
:* Geology of tunnelling media: Uniformly dipping alternate sequence of quartzites, quartzitic schists, quartz-diolite-schist with thin bands.
:*[[Tunnel boring machine]]s were not used because of the inability to see inside the mountain, instead blasting and digging used to build the tunnel.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|last=Polgreen|first=Lydia|date=31 July 2010|title=India Digs Under Top of the World to Match Rival|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/world/asia/01pass.html?_r=1&ref=global-home&pagewanted=all|access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref>
:* Temperature variation in the area: {{convert|25|-|30|C|F}} during May–June, {{convert|-30|to|-20|C|F}} during Dec–Jan.
:* Overburden: Maximum {{convert|1900|m|ft|-1}}, average more than {{convert|600|m|ft|-1|abbr=on}}
:* Construction technique: Drill & Blast with [[New Austrian tunnelling method|NATM]]
:* Support system: Fibre-reinforced concrete (100–300mm or 0–10 inch thick) combined with rock bolt (26.50mm dia, 5,000–9,000mm or 200–350 inch long) has been used as the principal support system.
:* Tunnel ventilation: Semi-transverse system of ventilation.
:* A 2.25 m high and 3.6 m wide emergency tunnel is integrated in the tunnel cross-section beneath the main carriageway.

The following parameters have been set in design:
:* (a) Upper tolerance limit for concentration – 150ppm
:* (b) Visibility factor – 0.009/m
:* (c) Vehicles
::* (i) Cars – 3000 Nos.
::* (ii Trucks – 1500 Nos.
:* (d) Peak hour traffic – 337.50 PCUs
:* (e) Design vehicular speed in Tunnel
::* (i) Maximum Speed – {{convert|80|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
::* (ii) Minimum Speed – {{convert|30|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

Project Cost : Approximately ₹3,200 [[crore]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-16|title=Atal Tunnel: World’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, connecting Manali to Leh, completed in 10 years|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/atal-tunnel-worlds-longest-highway-tunnel-above-10000-feet-connecting-manali-to-leh-completed-in-10-years/2084776/|access-date=2020-10-06|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Safety measures==

The tunnel was built using the [[New Austrian tunnelling method]] and has been equipped with a semi-transverse ventilation system, where large fans separately circulate air throughout the tunnel. A 2.25 m tall and 3.6 m wide emergency tunnel has been integrated into the tunnel cross-section beneath the main carriageway for evacuation during emergencies.

Fires inside the tunnel will be controlled within an area of 200 metres and fire hydrants are provided at specific locations throughout the tunnel.The tunnel also has a public announcement system to make important announcement in emergency situations for which loudspeakers are installed at regular intervals.

Heavy snowfall in the [[Rohtang Pass]] area is a major concern, especially on the approach roads to the main tunnel. To prevent any damage to the roads and to ensure the safety of the roads and tunnel users alike, avalanche control structures have been constructed. Since the Atal tunnel is likely to witness heavy traffic, CCTV cameras are placed at regular intervals in the tunnel which are connected to two monitoring rooms on both ends of the tunnel for vehicular management and pollution monitoring. Pollution sensors continuously monitor the air quality in the tunnel and if the air quality in the tunnel is below the desired level, fresh air is injected into the tunnel via two heavy duty fans on each side of the tunnel.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel - Atal Tunnel, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on October 03, 2020 (3).jpg|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and other dignitaries after the inauguration of the Atal Tunnel.
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel - Atal Tunnel, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on October 03, 2020 (7).jpg|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] is walking through the roads of the tunnel after its inauguration.
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel - Atal Tunnel, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on October 03, 2020 (14).jpg|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] flags off a bus from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] after inaugurating the Atal Tunnel.
</gallery>

==Trivia==
* The {{convert|9.02|km|abbr=on|1}} long tunnel is presently the ''world's longest single tube highway tunnel at an altitude above 3,000 m(10,000 ft)''. There are some railway tunnels like 32.645 km long [[New Guanjiao Tunnel|New Guaijiao Railroad Tunnel]] at 3,300 meters above the sea level in China. Higher but shorter tunnels in China include the 7.1 kilometer Que'ershan Tunnel (雀儿山隧道) at 4378 meters and the 5.7 kilometer Milashan Tunnel (米拉山隧道) at 4774 meters . The nearest in comparison to the Rohtang Tunnel is the 8.8 kilometer Zhegushan Tunnel (鹧鸪山隧道), altitude {{convert|3200|m}}).<ref>[[List of long road tunnels in China]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2021}} .[[Salang Tunnel]] in the [[Hindu Kush|Hindu Kush mountains]] in [[Afghanistan]] (length 2.6 km, altitude 3,400m) and the [[Eisenhower Tunnel|Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel]] in United States (length {{convert|2.73|km|abbr=on|1}}, altitude {{convert|3401|m|abbr=on}})are also at 3000+ meters .
* There were proposals of installing a [[Neutrino detector]] in the tunnel by [[Panjab University, Chandigarh|Panjab University]] and [[Tata Institute of Fundamental Research]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/section/cities/|title=City News, Indian City Headlines, Latest City News, Metro City News|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
* After frequent visits of Director General Border Roads, officials from Defence Ministry and Himachal Chief Minister [[Jai Ram Thakur]], 31 August 2020 was the deadline set to complete the remaining works in the tunnel. Started on 28 June 2010, the Atal Tunnel was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, [[Narendra Modi]] 3 October 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://discoverkullumanali.in/atal-tunnel-rohtang-tunnel |publisher=Discover Kullu Manali |title=Timeline of sequence of events at Atal Tunnel Project |access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Lists of tunnels]]
*[[Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel]] : India's longest road tunnel
* [[Shingo La#Tunnel|Shinku La tunnel]]<ref>{{cite web | last=Bisht | first=Gaurav | title=After Rohtang, more high-altitude tunnels to come up on Manali-Leh highway | website=Hindustan Times | date=1 October 2020 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/after-rohtang-more-high-altitude-tunnels-to-come-up-on-manali-leh-highway/story-INv0t7ftiERrL0oXRBU2DL.html | access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref>
* [[Zoji-la Tunnel]]
* [[Z-Morh Tunnel]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.bro.gov.in/indexmain.asp?lang=1&projectid=29&cat_id=2 BRO's Rohtang Tunnel pages]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120520070537/http://www.in.com/videos/watchvideo-rohtang-tunnel-8453142.html 2011 news report – at around 1'10" the footage gives a good idea of the planned portal]

[[Category:Road tunnels]]
[[Category:Road tunnels in India]]
[[Category:Road tunnels in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Transport in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Transport in Manali, Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Memorials to Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
[[Category:Road infrastructure in India]]
[[Category:Tunnels completed in 2002]]
[[Category:2020 establishments in Himachal Pradesh]]

Atal Tunnel - Revision history

2409:4042:412:5907:C651:27E4:65BF:7D90 at 14:31, 16 November 2021