zoom_in Click to enlarge

Atal Tunnel

▲ ▼

description Atal Tunnel Overview

The Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built beneath the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Officially opened in October 2020, the tunnel spans approximately 9 kilometers. It provides a year-round road connection between the Kullu Valley and the Lahaul-Spiti valleys, which were previously cut off for several months each year due to heavy snowfall.

The structure is named in honor of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

help Atal Tunnel FAQ

Where is the Atal Tunnel located, and what route does it connect?

The Atal Tunnel is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, beneath the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Kullu Valley near Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, providing all-weather road access that was previously cut off for months each winter.

How long is the Atal Tunnel, and when did it open?

The tunnel is approximately 9 kilometers (about 8.8 km) long, making it one of the longest highway tunnels above 10,000 feet in the world. It was officially inaugurated in October 2020 and named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Can the Atal Tunnel be used year-round, even in winter?

Yes, that is its primary purpose—before the tunnel, the Rohtang Pass road was closed by snow for roughly six months a year. The tunnel allows vehicles to travel between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti regardless of weather on the pass above.

Are there any restrictions on driving through the Atal Tunnel?

Indian authorities impose rules on tunnel transit, including speed limits, a ban on overtaking inside the tunnel, and restrictions on certain vehicle types for safety reasons. Traffic is monitored because the high altitude and enclosed length require controlled airflow and emergency systems.

swap_horiz

Looking for Atal Tunnel alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward