Boosting Border Road Infrastructure
The Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, which opened recently, is the world’s largest motorable tunnel at 3,000m (10,000ft above sea level). It reduces the distance between Manali and Leh by 45 km and saves travel time by 5 hours. It is the first to have an escape tunnel within the main tunnel, and as an all-weather tunnel it will facilitate economic prosperity and boost tourism in Lahaul and Spiti.
The development work was undertaken by BRO and others. It is a joint venture of Strabag, an Australian construction company and Afcons, a part of the Shapoorji Palloni ji Group, which has executed 350 infra projects in more than 22 countries.