Zillar Barta Desk,Manali, Himachal Pradesh: President Droupadi Murmu visited the strategically significant Atal Tunnel at Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, during the second day of her three-day visit to the state. The President took keen interest in the tunnel's engineering features and was briefed by officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) about the infrastructure and its importance for connectivity in the Himalayan region.
The Atal Tunnel visit formed an important part of President Murmu's Himachal Pradesh tour, which is taking place from October 6 to 8. According to the President's Secretariat, she was scheduled to visit the tunnel at Rohtang on October 7 after attending the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur on October 6.
During her visit, President Murmu appreciated the work carried out by the Border Roads Organisation in constructing and maintaining the tunnel in one of India's most challenging mountainous terrains. She described the Atal Tunnel as an engineering marvel of global standards and highlighted the dedication of the BRO personnel involved in the project.
The President said that the strategically important tunnel demonstrates India's technological capabilities, determination and commitment to ensuring seamless connectivity in difficult geographical conditions. Her remarks underlined the broader importance of major infrastructure projects in remote Himalayan areas, where terrain and weather conditions can pose significant challenges to transportation and development.
Located beneath the Rohtang Pass, the Atal Tunnel provides year-round road connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley. The tunnel has significantly improved access to the Lahaul region, which was historically affected by prolonged winter isolation because of heavy snowfall and the closure of high-altitude passes.
The tunnel is also important from a strategic perspective because improved road connectivity strengthens access to remote areas close to India's northern frontier. At the same time, the infrastructure has considerable significance for local communities, tourism, trade and emergency services by allowing more reliable movement between the Kullu-Manali region and Lahaul-Spiti.
The Atal Tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020. Since then, it has emerged as one of India's most prominent high-altitude road infrastructure projects and an important component of efforts to improve all-weather connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.
During the President's visit, officials briefed her about the technical aspects of the tunnel and the arrangements associated with its operation. President Murmu also took interest in the infrastructure and the challenges involved in constructing a major underground road tunnel in the Himalayan terrain.
The visit took place amid chilly weather in the high-altitude region, with snowfall reported around the Atal Tunnel area. Security arrangements had been strengthened along the route from Manali to Rohtang, and traffic movement was regulated during the President's convoy.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta and Lady Governor Bindu Gupta accompanied the President during the Atal Tunnel visit. Technical Education Minister and Minister-in-Waiting Rajesh Dharmani, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, Deputy Commissioner Kiran Badana, senior administrative officials and Army personnel were also present. A memento was presented to the President during the visit.
President Murmu's Himachal Pradesh visit also included a visit to the historic Hadimba Temple in Manali. She travelled towards Sissu in the Lahaul Valley before visiting the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang. Her daughter, Itishree Murmu, separately visited the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Estate at Naggar during the visit.
The President's three-day Himachal Pradesh programme began on October 6, when she attended the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bilaspur. The visit to the Atal Tunnel on October 7 provided an opportunity to highlight India's infrastructure development and the role of engineering projects in improving connectivity in remote regions.
The Atal Tunnel has also transformed the tourism landscape of the region. Easier year-round access to Lahaul-Spiti has helped travellers reach destinations that were previously difficult to access during the winter months. For residents, improved connectivity has implications for access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services.
Beyond tourism and local development, the tunnel represents the country's effort to build infrastructure in strategically important and geographically challenging areas. The President's recognition of the BRO's contribution brought attention to the personnel who work in difficult weather and terrain to maintain roads and other critical infrastructure in the Himalayan region.
President Murmu's visit thus combined an assessment of a major national infrastructure project with recognition of the engineering and human effort behind it. Her remarks on the Atal Tunnel emphasised its importance not only as a road project but also as a symbol of India's ability to undertake complex infrastructure development in challenging environments.
The President is scheduled to conclude her Himachal Pradesh visit on October 8. Her tour has included engagements in Bilaspur and Manali, bringing together educational, cultural and infrastructure-related programmes during her stay in the state.
