Eight years after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone for the Rohtang tunnel, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi repeated the ceremony, with Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal clarifying that what Vajpayee had presided over was the making of the approach road to the tunnel. The tunnel, when it is completed in 2015 as pledged by the Himachal Pradesh government, will be 8.8km long and connect landlocked Lahaul and Spiti valley with Manali and Leh. The horse-shoe underpass will offer all-year access between these towns and reduce the distance between Manali and Lahaul by 46km and at least two hours of driving time. The current road, known as Rohtang Pass, is closed for six months in a year because of adverse climatic conditions. The tunnel, which will cost about Rs 1,500 crore, will have a double lane with a maximum permissible speed limit of 80km per hour. Constructing it at a height of 13,050 feet will be a challenge for engineers and the most modern tunnelling methods will be used. Describing the ceremony as a “historic’’, Sonia said, “It’s an emotional moment for me because a dream of Rajiv Gandhi is being realised.’’ She further said, “People will be able to meet their daily needs round the year. Medical treatment will be facilitated, and tourism will get a boost.’’ The stretch, which is prone to avalanches, will be completed by BRO. Sonia hoped the tunnel will be laid with concern for the Himalayas fragile eco-system.
No comments:
Post a Comment