Nestled amidst the towering heights of the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, the Rohtang Tunnel, or Atal Tunnel, is a testament to remarkable engineering. Perched at over 3,000 meters above sea level, this tunnel delves beneath the rugged landscape of the Rohtang Pass, which itself towers at an impressive elevation of 3,978 meters.

Spanning a distance of 9.02 kilometers, the Atal Tunnel pays homage to the esteemed former Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a name bestowed upon it by the government. As one of the lengthiest road tunnels in the nation, it proudly holds the title of being the longest highway tunnel above 3,000 meters anywhere across the globe.

Manali to Rohtang pass via Atal tunnel

Carving its path through a hill to the west of Rohtang La, this tunnel serves as a vital link, significantly reducing the distance between Solang Valley near Manali and Sissu in Lahaul by approximately 46 kilometers. What once required a two-hour journey up to the Pass can now be traversed in a mere 15 minutes through the tunnel.

Offering year-round connectivity, it brings relief to the isolated valley of Lahaul-Spiti, often cut off for nearly half the year due to the Rohtang Pass being blanketed in thick snow from November to April.

Constructed using the New Austrian tunneling method, the tunnel is equipped with a semi-transverse ventilation system, where large fans circulate air individually throughout its length. Additionally, an emergency tunnel, standing at 2.25 meters tall and 3.6 meters wide, is integrated into the tunnel cross-section beneath the main carriageway, facilitating evacuation during crises.

To ensure safety, fires within the tunnel can be contained within a 200-meter range, with fire hydrants strategically placed along its length. A public announcement system, with speakers installed at regular intervals, is in place for important announcements during emergencies.

Given the expected heavy traffic and previous accidents, CCTV cameras are installed at intervals, monitored from two control rooms at both ends of the tunnel for vehicular supervision and pollution monitoring. Pollution sensors continuously monitor air quality, with fresh air injected into the tunnel via large fans if levels fall below acceptable standards.

The given limits of the Rohtang tunnel are –

Vehicles number
(i) Cars – 3000 Nos.
(ii Trucks – 1500 Nos.

Design vehicular speed in Tunnel

(i) Maximum Speed – 60 km/h
(ii) Minimum Speed – 40 km/h

The tunnel lessens the travel time and overall length between Manali and Keylong on the way to Leh.

The route, which previously went through Gramphu, was 116 km (72.1 mi) long and used to take 5 – 6 hours under the best situations.

But now, thanks to the tunnel,

The traveler arrives at the South Portal of the tunnel from Manali, a distance of 24.4 km (15.2 mi) in roughly 50 minutes, works through the 9.02 km (5.6 mi) long tunnel in about 15 minutes and reaches Keylong which is 45 km (28.0 mi) away in nearly 60 minutes. The new route via the tunnel bears down the total distance progressed to 78.42 km (48.7 mi) which can be easily covered in nearly 2 hours. Reducing the distance and time traveled of around 3 – 4 hours as contrasted to the earlier route. Besides, the tunnel skirts most the utmost of the sites that were inclined to road barricades, landslides, etc.

In 2019, The Union Cabinet decided to name the tunnel as ‘Atal Tunnel’ to honor former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contributions. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister, he went to Lahaul and on 3 June 2000 declared that the Rohtang Tunnel would be constructed. The foundation stone was laid by the then chairperson Sonia Gandhi on June 28, 2010.

It has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 October 2020.

The cost of the entire project is estimated to INR 3,200 crores than the previous INR 500 crores in 2003.

After the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the tunnel would implement new vitality to the country’s border infrastructure.

Before this tunnel construction, the Lahaul Spiti Valley used to be closed off from regular tourists and vehicular transportation due to the bad weather conditions and the wearisome traveling. It is now anticipated to promote tourism and wintertime entertainment in the area. The tunnel is not only significant for citizens but also from the military logistics aspect as it will present more solid connectivity to the armed troops to reaching Ladakh.

Manali to Rohtang pass via Atal tunnel Trip

Rohtang pass Trip from Manali via Rohtang Tunnel (Best Time)

For Your Information from Manali it take roughly 50 minutes to reach south end of Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel , To cross the  long Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel it take  about 15 minutes and reaches north end or say exit of Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel

After crossing the Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel  you have to take a left turn towards kokshar ,

Kokshar is almost 10km from the exit of Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel .

You can either get a Rohtang Pass Permit for you car or you can hire a cab from Manali to Rohtang Pass to enjoy a hassle free journey

Now due to the Rohtang Tunnel you can easily cover Sissu and Rohtang Pass in a single Day Trip

If you want to enjoy your sissu and Rohtang trip more ,than have a stay at sholang valley which is nearby to Rohtang Tunnel and save enough time to enjoy sissu and Rohtang Pass

What i enjoy the most in Rohtang Pass the Cup of Masala Tea and watching the beautiful mountains covered with snow

Basically you have to submitted you Rohtang Pass Permit at Kokshar checkpost

After verification of your Rohtang Pass Permit you start your journey toward Rohtang Pass .You can have a break a Kokshar for tea or snacks.

You can also enjoy a small waterfall trek at kokshar , the trek is not like Tosh to Kheerganga but its worth to Visit

Rohtang Pass is almost 28km from Kokshar Check Post with a decent Road

Amazing Views of my Rohtang Pass Trip via Atal Tunnel

If you want to know that How is the road from Manali to Rohtang Pass? . Than in clicked a picture for you to help you see the exact condition of road from Manali to Rohtang Pass. The road from Manali to Rohtang Pass is decent to handle traffic

Rohtang Pass offers a very beautifual mountain view from the top the picture’s are clicked in the october month Just have a look at the Top View from Rohtang Pass

You can find a lot of tea/Maggie seller at top of the Rohtang Pass

An Another Rohtang Pass Top View

If you are planning a trip to Rohtang Pass im definitely sure you love to visit Kasol in December

Manali to Sissu via Atal tunnel

As we know  that The traveler arrives at the South Portal of the tunnel from Manali, a distance of 24.4 km (15.2 mi) in roughly 50 minutes, works through the 9.02 km (5.6 mi) long tunnel in about 15 minutes and reaches Sissu which is 10 km  away from Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel.

If you are planning a trip from delhi to Manali than the article how to reach Manali from delhi will help you

As on 10/10/2020 ,

 

You have no need to take any permit to visit Sissu/Kelong through Rohtang Tunnel / Atal Tunnel.

You can enjoy a very beautiful lake at Sishu Where you can enjoy boating,

Aslo Sissu offer you a very beautiful destination for camping or picnic Aslo Sissu is 35km before kelong.

 

 

You can enjoy boating at sisu lake during your kelong or leh trip by Rohtang Tunnel

Sissu also offer a decent camping site for travellers You can plan a night stay in your own camp at sisu during your leh trip or Rohtang trip

If you are planning a trip from delhi toKasol than the article how to reach kasol from delhi will help you

If you like the article The Ultimate Trip To Rohtang & Sisu by Rohtang Tunnel /Atal Tunnel

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