Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Atal Tunnel which connects Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley thus reducing the travel time to Leh by up to five hours. PM Modi, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, described the inauguration of the tunnel as historic while highlighting that the all-weather project will strengthen the border areas.

Narendra Modi arrived at Manali on Saturday morning to inaugurate the Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel above an altitude of 10,000 feet. (Photo Credit: PTI)
Modi inaugurated the tunnel on Saturday, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur were present. (Photo Credit: PTI)
The strategically important, all-weather tunnel was first envisaged in 1983 and its construction received an impetus after the Kargil conflict. (Photo Credit: PTI)
Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur (R) and Director General of BRO Harpal Singh (L) during the inauguration of Atal tunnel. (Photo Credit: PTI)
The foundation of the tunnel was laid by former PM Atal Vihari Vajpayee in 2002, and was initially named ‘Rohtang Tunnel’. (Photo Credit: PTI)
“Atal tunnel will give new strength to India’s border infrastructure,” Modi said in an address after inaugurating the Atal Tunnel. (Photo Credit: PTI)