Foundation for Rohtang tunnel laid

Dhundi (Himachal Pradesh), Jun 28: Congress President Sonia Gandhi laid foundation for India's longest road tunnel of 8.8 km long in the valley of Himachal Pradesh connecting between Manali and the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, Jun 28.

"The 8.8 km horse shoe shaped Rohtang tunnel may come up to an estimated cost of Rs 1493 crore, will enable both common man and the armed forces to have a road link to important areas of Ladakh along the border with China," Defence Ministry officials said.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is building the Rohtang Tunnel, which will stay open throughout the year, making Ladakh accessible at all times.

"We are trying to make Manali, Leh road all weather so it's definitely a first step for us. And it is going to open up our tribal areas who are on the other side and get disconnected from the country during winters," said Lieutenant colonel Vinod Shukla, Officer Commanding 759, Border Road Integrated Task Force of BRO.

"The government realized the importance of Manali and Leh link during the Kargil War. In coming five years, this 8.8 km long tunnel will be accessible at all times and CCTV cameras will be installed for security purposes," say BRO officials.

ANI