DG BRO reviews progress of Rohtang tunnel work

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 24

Director-General of Border Roads Organisation Lt General Harpal Singh visited the Atal tunnel (Rohtang tunnel) near Manali on the Manali-Leh highway today to review the progress of work.

Since the India-China face-off in the Galwan valley of Ladakh region, the need is being felt from defence point of view to accomplish this ambitious project as soon as possible. This tunnel, when completed, will cut short distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kms. The Manali-Leh highway is used by Indian army to supply essential material to the soldiers deployed in Ladakh region.

Due to its strategic importance, the progress of tunnel work is being closely monitored by the DG BRO through daily briefings. He himself has been frequently visiting the tunnel site. He was accompanied by Joint Secretary BRO Satish Singh from the Ministry of Defence today.

According to BRO sources, the DG BRO inspected the progress related to civil, electrical and mechanical works. He appreciated the efforts of the BRO workforce, who is working relentlessly to accomplish this project as soon as possible.

The BRO is planning to hand over this project to the nation in September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to inaugurate this tunnel, which would provide all-weather connectivity to the residents of Lahaul valley in tribal district Lahaul Spiti.

Currently the residents of the Lahaul valley are cut off from the road facility from the rest of state for months every year during winter season, because of the closure of Rohtang pass, which receives heavy snowfall during winter season, which blocks the traffic movement completely between Manali and Keylong.