Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh made public

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Abhishek Malik, a tourist from Chandigarh, was a tourist visiting the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

Malik is among the large number of tourists and locals who took selfies near the tunnel, which is the world’s longest at an altitude of 10,040 feet, which has turned into a tourist destination a day after it was made public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 9.02-kms underpass connects Lahaul of Lahaul-Spiti district and Manali of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh.

Malik said that he was in Manali when it was opened by Modi on Saturday. “The tunnel is a marvelous piece of engineering,” said Malik.

Sissu village panchayat head Suman visited the tunnel along with several villagers. The north gateway of the tunnel falls under the village.

Earlier, villagers had to travel for around four hours to reach Manali through the Rohtang Pass, which remain shut down for about six months due to snow-laden roads in winter.

“Now, it takes about an hour to reach Manali from Sissu and, that too, with all-weather connectivity/ It will definitely be beneficial for our cash crops, patients, students and other people of the area,” said Suman.

A Border Roads Organization official said that the tunnel would remain closed for public daily from 9-10 am and 4-5 p.m.

Suman is optimistic that the tourism industry will develop in Lahaul after opening of the tunnel. However, she urged the tourists to avoid rash and negligence driving in the area.

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