Atal Tunnel, world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet ready after 10 years

The construction of the Atal Tunnel that connects Manali with Leh, which is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been completed in a span of 10 years

The construction of the Atal Tunnel that connects Manali with Leh, which is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been completed in a span of 10 years whereas the original estimated time was less than six years.

With CCTV cameras at every 60 metres and emergency exit tunnels at every 500 metres, the tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali by 46 kilometres and will save four hours.

“Atal Tunnel, connecting Manali to Leh, is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. The estimated period for completion of this tunnel was less than six years but it was completed in 10 years,” chief engineer KP Purushothaman said.

“There are CCTV cameras at every 60 metres and emergency exit tunnels at every 500 metres inside the tunnel. The tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46km and four hours can be saved,” he said.

Fire hydrants have also been installed inside the tunnel in case of any fire incident. The tunnel’s width is 10.5 metres, including footpaths of 1-metre on both sides.

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