India has some of the longest and most remarkable tunnels that have greatly improved travel and connectivity across difficult regions. These tunnels, built through mountains and rough terrains, make journeys faster, safer, and easier. They also help link remote places and save travel time. In this article, we’ll learn about India’s top five longest tunnels and their importance in development.
India has several longest tunnels, each showcasing engineering marvels and beautiful landscapes. These tunnels are critical for connecting different parts of the country, especially through hilly and rugged terrains. Here are the names of top-5 longest tunnels of India:
The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, also called the Banihal-Qazigund Railway Tunnel, located in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the title of the Longest tunnel in India. It is part of the Jammu-Baramulla rail line. This tunnel stretches 11.215 km and passes through the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It was designed to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, and it is situated at an average elevation of 1,760 meters. However, it will soon lose its title when the 11.55 km-long tunnel between Senapati and Imphal West surpasses it.
The Chennai-Nashri Tunnel, also known as the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel, is the second-longest road tunnel in India, stretching 9.28 km. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, it connects the town of Chennai and Nashri and bypasses the dangerous and avalanche-prone sections of National Highway 44. It reduces the travel distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 km and saves two hours of travel time. It is India’s longest tunnel and the first with a fully integrated tunnel control system.
The Atal Tunnel is the third-longest tunnel in India, measuring 9.02 km (5.6 miles). It connects Manali and Keylong in Himachal Pradesh, by passing the Rohtang Pass. Located in the Pir Panjal range, it is the longest highway tunnel above 10,00 feet in the world. The tunnel reduces the travel distance between Manali and Keylong from 116 to 71 km, cutting travel time by 3-4 hours and avoiding traffic blockages and avalanches. It is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The Trivandrum Port Tunnel, located in Kerala, is the fourth-longest road tunnel in India, measuring approximately 9 km. Inaugurated in 2022, it improves connectivity to the Trivandrum Port, facilitating smooth commercial traffic and the transportation of goods. The tunnel is equipped with advanced lightning, ventilation system and emerging response facilitates, making it a vital infrastructure asset for Kerala’s economic growth.
The Banihal-Qazigund Road Tunnel, located at an elevation of 1,790 m in Jammu and Kashmir, is the fifth-longest tunnel in India, measuring 8.5 km. It reduces the travel distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 16 km and cuts travel time by 30 minutes. The tunnel, which has two parallel lanes for each direction, is equipped with ventilation and security systems. It was completed in 2021 after starting construction in 2011 and costs Rs.2,100 crore.
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