Longest Tunnels in India: Check out the list

Longest Tunnels in India: India, a country of remarkable diversity, showcases not only its cultural richness but also incredible engineering marvels, with the longest tunnels standing as testament to human creativity and perseverance. In an era where air and sea travel are gaining popularity, roads and railways remain vital for the average person’s travel experience. The Indian government’s commitment to effective connectivity is evident in the construction of tunnels, which serve as engineering wonders, reducing travel times and improving public accessibility. Here, we present a curated list of the 11 longest tunnels in India, weaving through mountains, spanning rivers, and seamlessly connecting regions.

Longest Tunnels in India List

India, a country of diverse wonders, not only has rich culture but also cool tunnels that connect places. These tunnels are like magic passages made by smart people, linking regions and making travel super cool. Let’s check out the top 11 longest tunnels in India that make travel awesome!

Top 11 Longest Tunnels in India

1. Patalpani Rail Tunnel (49 km): Expected to open in 2025, it is set to become one of the world’s longest railway tunnels, linking Indore and Mumbai. The tunnel, stretching 49 kilometers, will not only facilitate transportation but also provide access to the scenic Patalpani waterfall.
2. Tunnel T-49 (12.7 km): A triumph in the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, this railway tunnel on the Katra-Banihal section, spanning 45 kilometers, uses two tubes for safety and efficiency.
3. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (11.21 km): Nestled in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pir Panjal Mountain Range, it is a crucial part of the Jammu-Baramulla line, drastically reducing travel time and connecting Jammu Tawi or Udhampur to Banihal.
4. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel (9.028 km): Also known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, it is the longest road tunnel in India, inaugurated in 2017. Covering 9 to 10 kilometers, it ensures all-weather connectivity, even during harsh winter weather.
5. Atal Tunnel (9.02 km): Connecting Manali to Keylong beneath the Rohtang Pass, it is a shining example of engineering genius, reducing travel time from 5 to 6 hours to just 15 minutes. Opened in 2022, it has become a tourist attraction.
6. Trivandrum Port Tunnel (9.02 km): Also known as the Varkala Tunnel, this historic structure in Kerala was built in 1867. Covering 1.06 kilometers, it created an inland waterway connecting Kollam and Trivandrum, facilitating goods and passenger transportation.
7. Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel (8.45 km): Opened in 2021, carved into the hills of Jammu and Kashmir, it is an essential part of NH 44, improving traffic conditions and reducing the distance between Srinagar and Jammu.
8. Sangaldan Railway Tunnel (7.1 km): One of India’s longest railway tunnels, opened in 2017, spanning about 8 kilometers between the railway stations of Katra and Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir.
9. Rapuru Tunnel (6.6 km): The longest electrified rail tunnel in India, situated in Andhra Pradesh, is a vital component of the Obulavaripalli – Venkatachalam Railway line, spanning 6.6 kilometers.
10. Karbude Tunnel (6.5 km): An important section of the Konkan Railway near Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, it covers 6.5 kilometers, greatly improving commuters’ travel since its opening in 2019.
11. Natuwadi Tunnel (4.8 km): The second-longest rail tunnel on the Konkan railway line in Maharashtra, completed in 1997, spans 4.8 kilometers, enhancing the Western Ghats’ natural beauty.

Longest Tunnels in India

The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, also known as the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, is the longest road tunnel in India, covering approximately 9 to 10 kilometers. Inaugurated in 2017, it plays a crucial role in improving connectivity, reducing travel distances, and ensuring all-weather connectivity, even in harsh winter conditions.

Shortest Tunnel in India

The Bhanwar Tonk Tunnel in Chhattisgarh holds the title of the shortest tunnel in India, measuring 1,024 meters. Despite its short length, this tunnel plays a vital role in improving regional connectivity and transportation infrastructure.

Longest Railway Tunnel in India

The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat, is one of India’s longest railway tunnels, stretching approximately 11.21 kilometers. Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, it forms a crucial part of the Jammu Baramulla Railway line, significantly reducing travel time across challenging mountainous terrain.