Manali, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday travelled through the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang region and described the landmark infrastructure as an engineering marvel that reflects India’s technological capabilities and commitment to connectivity in challenging terrains.
The President shared her observations on X, describing the 9.02-km tunnel as an engineering achievement of global standards and praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its dedication in constructing the strategic project.
“This iconic infrastructure stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess, determination and commitment to ensuring seamless connectivity in the most challenging terrains,” she said.
The Atal Tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, provides year-round connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti Valley. Before the tunnel was built, the valley remained cut off from the rest of the country for nearly six months every year because of heavy snowfall.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who accompanied President Murmu during her visit, described the occasion as a proud moment for the state and called the tunnel a world-class feat of engineering that has brought Lahaul-Spiti closer to the rest of the country.
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas at an altitude of around 3,000 metres, the tunnel has significantly improved connectivity towards the Lahaul-Spiti region and beyond. It reduces the road distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and cuts travel time by around four to five hours.
The South Portal is located around 25 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal is near Teling village in Sissu in the Lahaul Valley at 3,071 metres.
The horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, double-lane tunnel has an eight-metre-wide roadway and an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. It is designed to handle around 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks daily, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kmph.
President Murmu, who is staying in Manali during her Himachal Pradesh visit, is scheduled to conclude her programme on October 8 and return to New Delhi.
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