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Tourist facilities at Atal Tunnel’s South Portal get go ahead

After two years of meticulous paperwork, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has finally approved the construction of various tourist amenities at the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel in Dhundi, near Manali. The Rs 6 crore project will...
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The South Portal of the Atal Tunnel at Dhundi near Manali. File
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After two years of meticulous paperwork, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has finally approved the construction of various tourist amenities at the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel in Dhundi, near Manali. The Rs 6 crore project will span approximately four bighas and include a cafeteria, parking lot, pavilion, selfie points and other facilities.

Kullu District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) Sunayna Sharma said the Tourism Department had applied for FCA clearance in February 2023. After addressing multiple queries, the project has now received in-principle approval, and the process for final clearance will begin soon.

Since its inauguration on October 3, 2020, the Atal Tunnel has emerged as a major tourist attraction, witnessing a sharp rise in traffic. In 2021, nearly 7.99 lakh vehicles passed through the tunnel, a number that has now surged to around 12.73 lakh annually. Many tourists halt at the South Portal, but there are currently no food or beverage facilities from Solang Nala to the tunnel, nor are there adequate parking arrangements.

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The new project aims to fill these gaps by providing a dedicated parking area for hundreds of vehicles and introducing much-needed food and beverage options. The plan also includes a pavilion and selfie points, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Once completed, these facilities will offer tourists a more comfortable and enjoyable visit, further boosting tourism in the region. The DTDO said that the project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ADB will execute the project.

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