New Delhi: Ladakh is all set to get year-round road connectivity with the inauguration of over 9 km long Atal Tunnel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the historic Atal Tunnel at Rohtang on October 3 at 10 AM.
Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the world, spreading over 9.02 km and connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley. The tunnel will ensure that the Ladakh doesn’t cut off from the country during winters and remains accessible all the year round. Till now, the valley remained inaccessible for about 6 months every year, owing to heavy snowfall.
The tunnel, which exhibits Indian engineering marvel, has many raised with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Sea Level. The tunnel will reduce road distance Manali and Leh by 46 kms and travel time by about 4 to 5 hours.
What makes Atal Tunnel ‘best among all’
The tunnel is horse-shoe shaped tunnel with double lane and a roadway of 8 metres. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. The tunnel is 10.5-metre wide and also has fire proof emergency exit.
The Tunnel has been designed to carry a traffic density of 3000 cars on daily basis and 1500 trucks per day. Maximum speed has been fixed at 80 km/hr.
Atal tunnel is equipped with state-of-the-art electromechanical system including semi transverse ventilation system, firefighting, illumination and monitoring system.
What makes Atal Tunnel safe and secure:
(a) Entry barriers at both portals of tunnel
(b) Telephone facility at every 150 meter for emergency communication
(c) Fire hydrant mechanism at every 60 meter
(e) Air quality monitoring system at every 1 Km.
(f) Evacuation lighting / exit signs at every 25 Mtrs.
(g) Broadcasting facility through the entire stretch of tunnel
(h) Fire rated Dampers at 50 meters distance
(i) CCTV Cameras at every 60 Mtrs.
