It is safe to say that the Indian network of railways and roads are the most common method of travel for the common people while waterways and airways may rise in their popularity in recent times. Be it railway or road, the proposition and construction of every tunnel is just another effort to bring two places closer together. There are some of the longest tunnels in India that you may surely cross during your journey and not know of the fact.
As part of the Indian railways, there are many longest road tunnels in India under construction in the Himalayan ranges. The location of major tunnels in India is either in the Himalayas or in the Western Ghats. Read this blog to know about the list of road tunnels in India that are quite popular in recent times.
Atal Road Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh
The magnificent Atal Road Tunnel has been named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, formerly this tunnel was referred to as Rohtang Tunnel. Atal Road Tunnel is the longest tunnel in India 2022 and its construction started in the year 2010. Atal Tunnel is expected to decrease the distance between Keylong and Manali by 46 kilometers. On October 3, 2020, Atal Tunnel was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. In the eastern part of the magnificent Pir Panjal Range, the Atal Tunnel, being built below the Rohtang Pass with a width of 10 meters is an altitude of around 3000 meters.
Length- 8.8 km
Location- Leh-Manali Highway, Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Read More: 10 Amazing Cycling Routes in India
Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu & Kashmir
Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel also called the T-80 runs across the heart of the Himalayan ranges in Jammu & Kashmir at Banihal. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in India and 2nd longest railway tunnel in Asia. It is a single-track tunnel operating since 2013. The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is increased to a height of 78 meters with an elevation of about 1008 meters and 8.5 meters in width. Passing the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel took about 9 minutes.
Length- 11.22 km
Location- Forest Block 185102, Pir Panjal Range, Jammu and Kashmir
Also Read : Delhi to Leh by Road
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel, Jammu & Kashmir
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road tunnel is also known as Syama Tunnel, Chenani Nashri Tunnel, and the Patnitop Tunnel. Dr. Syama Road Tunnel was inaugurated in the year 2017 and is one of the longest road tunnels in India. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel is located at an elevation of 4000 feet that has successfully reduced the distance between Jammu and its capital from 41 kilometers to 9 kilometers.
Length- 9.3 km
Location- Chenani, Jammu & Kashmir
Read more: Places to Visit in Monsoon in India
Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel, Kerala
Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel is situated in Kerala and is under construction. Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel is set to be the second-longest railway tunnel in India. This proposal to construct this tunnel into existence is to link to Vizhinjam International Multipurpose Deepwater Seaport. Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel stretches a full length of 11 km long run.
Length- 9.2 km
Location- Kanyakumari, Kerala
Read more: Honeymoon Destinations in India
Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu & Kashmir
Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel is situated at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level in Jammu & Kashmir. Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in India that has two tubes running parallel to each other. These tubes have crossings at regular intervals. Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel’s construction work started in the year 2011 and it started operating in 2021. This tunnel reduced the distance between Banihal and Qazigund by at least 16 kilometers.
Length- 8.5 km
Location- Pir Panjal Range of Jammu & Kashmir
Also Read: Stunning Bridges in India
Rapuru Railway Tunnel, Andhra Pradesh
Rapuru Railway Tunnel is situated in Andhra Pradesh and is the first longest electrified railway tunnel in India. Rapuru Railway Tunnel is inaugurated in 2019 and has decreased the time to travel between Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli by five hours. Rapuru Railway Tunnel also provides the shortest distance between the cities of Chennai to Howrah and Chennai to Mumbai.
Length- 6.65 km
Location- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Sangaldan Railway Tunnel, Jammu & Kashmir
Sangaldan Railway Tunnel is situated in Jammu & Kashmir has been inaugurated in 2017. Sangaldan Railway Tunnel work started in 2010 and is on the list of longest tunnels in India. Sangaldan Railway Tunnel is the second-longest railway tunnel in India currently. Sangaldan tunnel falls under the Katra and Banihal railway stations that link Jammu and Baramulla.
Length- 8 km
Location- Jammu-Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir
Natuwadi Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra
Natuwadi Railway Tunnel is the second-longest railway tunnel in the Konkan range that has been operated since 1997. This railway tunnel runs along the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and is often referred to as T-6. The Natuwadi Railway Tunnel has reduced the distance between Maharashtra and Mangalore despite facing challenges in the Western Ghats. Natuwadi Railway Tunnel is one of the longest railway tunnels in India.
Length- 4.39 km
Location- Between the Karanjadi and Diwan Khavati railway stations in Maharashtra
Karbude Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra
Karbude Railway Tunnel is situated in the fascinating Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Karbude Railway Tunnel was built to connect the coastal cities of Mumbai and Mangalore. Karbude Railway Tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the Konkan Region. This is one of the longest railway tunnels in India located between Ukshi and Bhoke.
Length- 6.5 km
Location- Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Tike Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra
Tike Railway Tunnel is inaugurated in the year 1997 and is situated in the Sahyadri hills. Tike Railway Tunnel is part of the Zonal Konkan Railway line and is one of the longest railway tunnels in India. Tike Railway Tunnel is also referred to as T-39.
Length- 4.8 km
Location- Between Ratnagiri and Nivasar In Maharashtra
For people to pay a visit to the various places of incredible India, the construction of tunnels in India has made it a lot easier. Read about the above-listed amazing tunnels and get to know some facts. Visit HotelDekho.com for amazing train journeys, travel guides, and hotels for the best discounts.
