Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Atal Tunnel’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
This tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel.
This tunnel is built in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Only 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Both 1 and 2
Only 1
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Atal Tunnel is not the world's longest highway tunnel overall. It is 9.02 kilometres long and was recognised as the world's longest highway tunnel situated above 10,000 feet. This recognition was awarded by the World Book of Records on 9 February 2022. In contrast, the world's longest road tunnel is the Lærdal Tunnel in Norway, measuring approximately 24.5 kilometres.
Statement 2 is correct. The Atal Tunnel is constructed beneath the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It connects Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti Valley and is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,000 metres. Previously, heavy snowfall kept the Rohtang Pass closed for nearly six months annually. The construction of this tunnel facilitated year-round road connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti region.
The Atal Tunnel was inaugurated on 3 October 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The tunnel reduced the road distance between Manali and Leh by approximately 46 kilometres, enabling a reduction of about 4–5 hours in travel time. It is important for civilian transportation, tourism, and the movement of military supplies to border regions.
The Atal Tunnel was named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was previously known as the Rohtang Tunnel. On 24 December 2019, the Union Cabinet decided to rename it the Atal Tunnel. It is a two-lane, horseshoe-shaped tunnel equipped with modern ventilation, fire safety, and emergency evacuation systems.