Atal Tunnel Certified By World Book Of Records As Longest Highway Tunnel.

Why in news?

• Atal Tunnel has officially been certified by the World Book of Records, as the ‘World’s Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet’.
• Atal Tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020. The 9.02 km long, strategically significant, Atal Tunnel, that runs under the ‘Rohtang Pass’ was constructed on the Manali – Leh Highway under the challenging conditions of freezing temperatures in extremely difficult terrain.
• It was built by Border Roads Organization.
• Construction of this tunnel has reduced the distance on Manali – Sarchu road by 46 km and travel time by four to five hours, providing all-weather connectivity on the Manali – Leh
• Prior to the construction of the tunnel, the highway remained closed during the winter season for six months, isolating Lahaul and Spiti from the mainland.
• World Book of Records UK, is an organisation that catalogues and verifies extraordinary records across the world with authentic certification.