News: Prime Minister has inaugurated the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh Rohtang.
Facts:
- Atal Tunnel (earlier known as Rohtang Tunnel): It is a 9.02 km long tunnel that connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year.
- Significance: The tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above the altitude of 10,000 feet (3000 metres).
- Constructed by: The tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation(BRO).
Additional Facts:
- BRO: It was formed in 1960 to secure India’s borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states of the country.It has been under the control of the Ministry of Defence since 2015.