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Polity & Governance GS 2 In the news 3 times

Comparison with Other Strategic Tunnels in the Himalayas

India has developed a network of strategic tunnels in the Western Himalayas over the past decade, each addressing a specific seasonal or strategic chokepoint:

Key details
  • Atal Tunnel (Rohtang): 9.02 km, completed 2020, connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet — bypasses Rohtang Pass
  • Z-Morh Tunnel (Sonamarg Tunnel): ~6.5 km, connects Gagangir to Sonamarg in Kashmir, provides all-weather access to Sonamarg; on the same NH-1 corridor as Zojila
  • Banihal–Qazigund Tunnel: 8.45 km in Jawahar Tunnel zone, connects Banihal (Jammu division) with Qazigund (Kashmir Valley)
  • Zojila Tunnel: At 13.153 km, surpasses Atal Tunnel as the longest high-altitude road tunnel; the breakthrough in June 2026 completes excavation
In the news

Tracked since June 09, 2026 · last seen June 09, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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