Rohtang pass tunnel named after former PM Vajpayee

On 24 December, 2019, the Union cabinet chaired by PM Modi decided that the strategic tunnel that was constructed under Rohtang Pass will be named after him. This is because the tunnel construction was started in June 2000, during his tenure.

About the tunnel

The tunnel is the world’s longest tunnel (8.8 km) at an altitude of 3,000 metres. The tunnel reduces the distance between Leh and Manali by 46 kilometres. This helps in saving crores of rupees on fuel usage. It is built under Pir Pinjal range.

It is a single tube tunnel and is 10.5-metre-wide with fire proof emergency provisions. The geological and weather challenges were overcome by the Border Road Organization. It includes the Seri Nalah fault zone.

Rohtang Pass

The pass connects Kulu valley and Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The three rivers in the region of the pass are chenab, Beas and Chandra rivers. The Beas river emerges from underground and flows southwards, Chandra river flows in the eastern Himalayas and Chenab river flows westward.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019