The first convoy of the Indian Army passed through the newly-inaugurated Atal Tunnel near Manali in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, reported ANI.
The tunnel helps in saving four to five hours of travel time and 46 kilometres distance Manali and Leh in Union Territory of Ladakh. On October 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Atal Tunnel. At 9.02 km it's the longest highway tunnel in the world and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Rohtang.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the strategically important Atal Tunnel is dedicated to the armed forces protecting India's borders and those living in the remote terrains.?
"I do not need to explain the importance of this tunnel, its strategic importance is understood by everyone. It will ensure speedy and faster transportation of rations, weapons and other logistics. It will also help in faster deployment of personnel. Situated on the border of two nations, it is dedicated to those protecting our borders, and those who live in those areas," Singh said The Tunnel will ensure movement throughout the year. Earlier, the Valley was cut off for about six months each year owing to heavy snowfall.
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The tunnel is one of the two routes into Ladakh; it will also become the route used to resupplying the military garrison there. The other route into Ladakh is through the Zojila Pass which connects the Kashmir Valley with Drass.
The tunnel is 10 metres wide, 8.8 km-long and shaped like a horse shoe. It is located at 10,000 feet. Usually, it takes around five hours to cross the Rohtang Pass but thanks to this tunnel, the journey will be shortened to just ten minutes. The Manali-Led road is now shortened by 46 km.??
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Four more tunnels have been proposed on the way to Leh since that part of the country faces heavy snow cover for about six months in a year and is difficult to reach. Thanks to the Atal Rohtang tunnel, movement of goods to and from Lahaul will be easy.?