Sonia Launches Construction of Rohtang Tunnel

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has launched the building of a strategic 8.8 km long tunnel in Himachal Pradesh that will enable year-round connectivity between Manali and the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, said media reports.

The digging machine was kept at a distance from her, near the south portal of the proposed tunnel in Dhundi, 25 km Manali, reports said.

The valley is tucked in the snow-capped Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

As Gandhi pressed the button, the machine began the digging work, kickstarting the construction process that will be completed in 63 months, said reports.

Defence Minister AK Antony and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal were also present.

The tunnel at the Rohtang Pass will ensure all-weather road connectivity to Lahaul and Spiti valleys of the Himalayan state which remain cut off from the rest of the country during the harsh winter.

(Based on internet reports)