Sonia Gandhi lays the foundation of Rohtang Tunnel
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, June 28, 2010
Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation of Rohtang Tunnel
The National Advisory Council Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi on Monday laid the foundation stone of the 8.8 kilometer long horse shoe shaped tunnel. The place is some 25 kilometers away from Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Defence Minister AK Antony and Junior Defence Minister MM Pallam Raju were also present on the occasion besides several dignitaries.
The tunnel will open an all weather motorable road between Kellong valley of Himachal Pradesh and Leh in Laddakh region.
The Rohtang tunnel was conceived in 1983, as a two-lane tunnel for vehicle movement that will help travellers avoid the Rohtang Pass, about 51 km from Manali, all year round and may reduce it to a mere tourist spot at an altitude of 3,978 metres.
The Rohtang Pass remains closed for over six months a year due to heavy snowfall, cutting off the Lahaul-Spiti valley and Leh.
The drilling the Rohtang tunnel will reduce the 475-km distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km.
"The distance reduced by the tunnel may seem small, but look at the time that is saved for travellers. And the tunnel will be available for travellers all year long," Mr. Pallam Raju said.
