Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that the Atal Tunnel will take the tourism of Rohtang region to new heights. He reached Atal Tunnel on the 2nd day of his two days' visit to Kullu and Lahaul- Spiti districts. Addressing media persons Governor said that the engineering of tunnel is unparalleled and it is longest tunnel in the world at a height of more than 10 thousand feet. Congratulating the officials and engineers of Border Roads Organization for the construction of this state-of-the-art tunnel, he said that the engineers have gained remarkable achievement.He said that Atal Tunnel has telephone connections at every 150 meter for emergency communication, fire hydrant mechanisms at every 60 meter, auto incident detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 meter, air quality monitoring at every 1 km, lighting/exit signs at every 25 meters, broadcasting system throughout the tunnel and cameras at every 60 meters.The Governor said that there will be unexpected change in the lives of the people of tribal areas and this tunnel will provide all time connectivity to the people of Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi.He said that earlier this region was cut off from the rest of the world for six to 7 months in winter due to heavy snowfall. He had said that the increase in tourism activities would provide better employment opportunities to the local youth.
The Governor said that the decision to construct the tunnel was taken by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given it a concrete shape. He congratulated the Prime Minister for dedicating the tunnel to the country.Bandaru Dattatraya said that the geographical conditions on both sides of this tunnel connecting two districts are completely different. On entering the Lahaul Spiti at the north portal, one gets a wonderful view of the nature. He said that such a rare scene is hardly anywhere else in the world. He said that the people of the country must visit the Atal Tunnel during the snowfall season and take advantage of its lively nature.The Governor interacted with the Border Roads Organization officials at the south portal of Atal Tunnel and got information about the tunnel.Earlier, the Governor worshiped at Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali. He said that efforts should be made to beautify the temple complex. The Governor also visited Mata Tripura Sundari Mandir Naggar. The beauty of this temple built in pagoda style was closely observed by the Governor.Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richa Verma, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and officials of various departments were present with the Governor during this period.