Atal Tunnel expected to reopen soon

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is expected to restart its bus service, after a closure of a few days, till the south gate of the Atal Tunnel from Manali. It has been shut owing to avalanches and snowfall. The route is a major connecting link for the benefit of the people living in Lahaul and Spiti districts.

According to the reports, Mangal Manepa, Regional Manager of HRTC Depot at Keylong, told a leading website that the Manali-Keylong road via the Atal Tunnel was inspected a few days back before resuming the bus service.The road was restored by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for traffic on Friday. However, the stretch was seen unsuitable for movement of heavy vehicles like buses at some places.
Meanwhile, the BRO has been asked to clear snow at prime points at Shashin, near the shrine of Raja Ghepan devta and the Ropsang Nullah on the Manali-Keylong road.

Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi told the website that tourist vehicles would be permitted to reach Solang valley in the coming days. Furthermore, Lahaul and Spiti residents can soon travel in local vehicles on the Manali-Keylong road between 10 AM and 3 PM.
Atal Tunnel was closed about two weeks back after heavy snowfall in the region. It is the world's longest tunnel above 10040 ft, and has become a famous tourist place.