The 10 Longest Tunnels in India
India has seen remarkable growth in its infrastructure, and one area of achievement is the construction of long tunnels. These engineering marvels play a crucial role in improving connectivity, especially in challenging terrains such as the Himalayas. Here is a list of the ten longest tunnels in India, showcasing their significance and specifications.
1. Atal Tunnel
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Length: 9.02 km
- Details: The Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley. It provides year-round connectivity and reduces travel time significantly.
2. Pir Panjal Tunnel (Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel)
- Location: Jammu & Kashmir
- Length: 11.2 km
- Details: Part of the Jammu-Baramulla rail line, this tunnel is India’s longest railway tunnel, ensuring seamless connectivity through the Pir Panjal range.
3. Chenani-Nashri Tunnel (Patnitop Tunnel)
- Location: Jammu & Kashmir
- Length: 9.28 km
- Details: India's longest road tunnel at the time of its inauguration, it bypasses the snow-covered Patnitop area, enhancing year-round traffic movement.
4. Trivandrum Port Tunnel
- Location: Kerala
- Length: 9.02 km
- Details: Constructed to streamline cargo movement between Trivandrum Port and the hinterlands.
5. Rohtang Tunnel
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Length: 8.8 km
- Details: Built under the Rohtang Pass, it ensures connectivity between Manali and Leh even during harsh winters.
6. Zojila Tunnel (Under Construction)
- Location: Jammu & Kashmir
- Planned Length: 14.2 km
- Details: Once completed, it will be the longest bi-directional road tunnel in Asia, connecting Sonamarg and Drass.
7. Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Length: 8.3 km
- Details: Part of the Char Dham Railway project, this tunnel is aimed at boosting pilgrimage tourism.
8. Sangaldan Tunnel
- Location: Jammu & Kashmir
- Length: 7.1 km
- Details: Another part of the Jammu-Baramulla rail line, enhancing connectivity in northern India.
9. Sela Tunnel
- Location: Arunachal Pradesh
- Planned Length: 13.2 km
- Details: Under construction to connect Tawang with the rest of India, it will boost defense logistics and regional development.
10. Karbude Tunnel
- Location: Maharashtra
- Length: 6.5 km
- Details: Part of the Konkan Railway, it ensures smooth transit through Maharashtra's rugged terrain.
Longest Tunnels in India
|
Rank |
Tunnel Name |
Location |
Length (km) |
Purpose |
Status |
|
1 |
Zojila Tunnel |
Jammu & Kashmir |
14.2 |
Road Connectivity |
Under Construction |
|
2 |
Pir Panjal Tunnel |
Jammu & Kashmir |
11.2 |
Railway |
Operational |
|
3 |
Sela Tunnel |
Arunachal Pradesh |
13.2 |
Road Connectivity |
Under Construction |
|
4 |
Chenani-Nashri Tunnel |
Jammu & Kashmir |
9.28 |
Road Connectivity |
Operational |
|
5 |
Atal Tunnel |
Himachal Pradesh |
9.02 |
Road Connectivity |
Operational |
|
6 |
Trivandrum Port Tunnel |
Kerala |
9.02 |
Cargo Transport |
Operational |
|
7 |
Rohtang Tunnel |
Himachal Pradesh |
8.8 |
Road Connectivity |
Operational |
|
8 |
Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel |
Uttarakhand |
8.3 |
Railway |
Under Construction |
|
9 |
Sangaldan Tunnel |
Jammu & Kashmir |
7.1 |
Railway |
Operational |
|
10 |
Karbude Tunnel |
Maharashtra |
6.5 |
Railway |
Operational |