SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 27

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Atal Tunnel.

The Atal Tunnel is the tunnel built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above Mean Sea Level (MSL).

Explanation:
The Atal Tunnel, named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a strategic and engineering marvel located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Location and Features:

• It is situated in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
• The tunnel is approximately 9.02 kilometres long and is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters) altitude.
• The tunnel significantly reduces the travel time between Manali and Leh and ensures that the Lahaul-Spiti valley remains connected with the rest of the country throughout the year, even during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall would otherwise block the mountain passes.

Construction and Specifications:

• The tunnel has been constructed with ultra-modern technology, including an advanced ventilation system, CCTV cameras at regular intervals, emergency exit routes, and fire-fighting systems.
• It is designed to handle heavy snowfall and avalanches, ensuring year-round connectivity.
• The construction of the Atal Tunnel was a challenging task due to the difficult terrain, high altitude, and harsh weather conditions, but it was completed and inaugurated on October 3, 2020.

The Atal Tunnel has been a significant development for the region, enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and providing strategic advantages for the Indian military.