Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the strategically important, all-weather Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh that connects Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley and reduces travel time to Leh (in the Union Territory of Ladakh) by up to five hours.
PM Modi addressed a public gathering in Rohtang after inaugurating the tunnel and lauded efforts of the BRO for constructing the longest tunnel in the world at an altitude of over 10,000 feet.
He also trained guns at previous Congress governments accusing them of delaying the project and not looking for the country's development.
Since the 9-km long tunnel reduces travel time to key border areas for the security forces and remains open throughout the year, it has great strategic significance as well.
