BRO aims to complete Rohtang tunnel by Sept despite lockdown

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 5

Proactive measures are being taken by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete the work on strategic Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal ranges of Himachal Pradesh, which is at the crucial stage of construction.

The BRO aims to complete the project by September 2020 despite the lockdown.

Road surface works, installation of electro-mechanic fittings, including lighting, ventilation and intelligent traffic control systems are being executed. One steel super structure bridge of 100 metre length across river Chandra on the North Portal of the tunnel is also under construction. The work was halted for 10 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, a statement issued today said.

Director General Border Roads, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, had taken up the matter with Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. This resulted in resumption of work on April 5, 2020 with on-site labour in coordination with the state government. Works in Atal Tunnel are being executed with all necessary COVID-19 precautions in place to ensure its completion in September 2020 as planned.

Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway is being constructed since the route to Ladakh remains closed for six months every year due to the Rohtang Pass being completely snow bound between November and May.

The tunnel will connect Manali to Lahaul Valley throughout the year and will reduce the road length of Manali-Rohtang-Sarchu-Leh road by 46 km. Besides connecting the people of Lahaul to rest of India throughout the year, the tunnel will aid the forward connectivity offering the security forces a major strategic advantage.