Governor visits Atal Tunnel, reviews facilities in escape tunnel

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla along-with Lady Governor Janaki Shukla visited Atal Tunnel today and enquired from the senior officers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) about the escape tunnel.

The 9 km long tunnel is the highest highway single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world connecting areas on both sides of Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu. The Governor said that the tunnel besides promoting the tourism activities had served as a boon for the locals around the year reducing travel time and distance between Manali-Keylong and Leh.

Commanding Officer of the BRO Sandeep Singh detailed the Governor about the escape tunnel which opens after every 400 meters. The tunnel bypasses most of the sites which were prone to road blockages, avalanches and traffic jams, he added.

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti Rahul Kumar, other officers of the district administration and dignitaries welcomed the Governor at the North Portal of the tunnel.

Later, the Governor also visited the Sissu Lake. He said that the visit of a tourist to Himachal Pradesh was futile if did not witness and enjoy the beauty of Lahaul valley. The central government had provided better road facility in the area through BRO and the state government was also providing other facilities to the people, said the Governor.

Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “Though the whole of Himachal is beautiful, the beauty of Lahaul can’t be described in words. We just have to take care of its sanctity, pristine environment and cleanliness.”

The Governor returned back to Manali via Rohtang Pass.

Earlier in the morning, he paid obeisance at Vashisht Rishi temple in Manali.