List of Top 10 Longest Tunnels in the World

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally integrated the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, which will provide all-weather connectivity from Sonmarg to Srinagar.

But did you know that India has many tunnels that are considered to be the longest and most strategically important in the country? For example, the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh is the world’s longest highway tunnel at an altitude of over 10,000 feet.

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There are many more important tunnels in India such as Chenani-Nashiri Tunnel which is included in the list of longest tunnels in India.

In this article, we will take a look at the 10 longest tunnels in India and explore their importance in enhancing connectivity and transportation in different parts of the country.

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List of longest tunnels in India

Below is a list of the longest tunnels in India, showcasing extraordinary engineering marvels that connect different regions and facilitate seamless transportation across challenging terrains. The list includes:

rank	Tunnel name	Length (km)	Place
1	Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel	11.22	jammu and kashmir
2	Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel	9.028	jammu and kashmir
3	atal tunnel	9.02	himachal pradesh
4	Trivandrum Port Tunnel	9.02	kerala
5	Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel	8.45	jammu and kashmir
6	Sangardan Railway Tunnel	7.2	jammu and kashmir
7	See more : Can You Spot 3511 among 3571 in 30 Seconds? Explanation and Solution to the Optical Illusion Lapulu Railway Tunnel	6.6	andhra pradesh
8	Kabud railway tunnel	6.5	Maharashtra
9	Nathuwadi Tunnel	4.8	Maharashtra
10	Tik Tunnel	4.07	Maharashtra

Source: CheggIndia

1. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel

The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, also known as the Banihal-Kazigund Railway Tunnel, is the longest railway tunnel in India with a total length of approximately 11.21 kilometers.

The tunnel consists of a pipe with a diameter of 8.4 m. It is the longest transport tunnel in India, also known as the T-80.

Construction started in November 2005 and was completed in June 2013. The tunnel is a major engineering achievement located in the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal range in Jammu and Kashmir.

It is an important link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramala railway project, which aims to enhance connectivity with the Kashmir Valley.

The tunnel is designed for broad gauge railways and operates 440 meters below the existing Jawahar Tunnel, which is often inoperable due to heavy snowfall during winter.

The Pir Panjal Tunnel provides an all-weather route for trains, significantly reducing travel time and improving accessibility in the region.

Its construction used advanced technologies, including the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), to ensure safety and durability to cope with geological challenges.

The tunnel has reduced the travel time between Banihal and Qazigund by 50 minutes, saving about Rs 10 lakh in fuel consumption every day.

2. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, also known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, is an important road tunnel located in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is approximately 9.2 kilometers long and was officially opened to traffic in April 2017.

Known for being the longest road tunnel in India, it plays a vital role in connecting Jammu and Srinagar, especially during harsh winter conditions when snow blocks traditional routes.

Constructed under the Chenani-Nashri road project, the tunnel bypasses the treacherous mountainous terrain and significantly reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.

The tunnel has state-of-the-art safety systems including fire detection, ventilation and emergency exits to ensure passenger safety.

3. Trivandrum Port Tunnel

Located in the state of Kerala, the Trivandrum Port Tunnel is a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity to the Trivandrum Port.

The road tunnel is about 9 kilometers long and will be completed in 2022. The tunnel is a key link in commercial traffic and helps smoother the flow of goods in and out of the port.

The project aims to relieve congestion on existing roads while providing efficient routes for heavy vehicles. The Trivandrum Port Tunnel incorporates modern engineering practices to ensure durability and safety for users.

It features advanced lighting systems, ventilation mechanisms and emergency response features, making it a vital asset for the economic development of Kerala.

4. Atal Tunnel

Located in Himachal Pradesh, the Atal Tunnel is approximately 9 kilometers long and is an impressive engineering feat.

Officially inaugurated in October 2020, this road tunnel connects Manali and Lahaul-Spiti Valley and plays a vital role in providing all-weather connectivity to this remote region. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is one of the highest tunnels in the world.

Built at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level, the Atal Tunnel will significantly reduce travel time between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti in winter, thereby enhancing connectivity.

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The tunnel has state-of-the-art safety measures such as fire detection systems, emergency exits and a powerful ventilation system.

5. Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel

The Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is approximately 8.5 kilometers long and was opened for public use in 2021.

This road tunnel is an important link between Banihal and Qazigund, significantly improving connectivity in the region’s rugged terrain.

The tunnel is designed to mitigate disruptions caused by heavy winter snows and provide an all-weather route for vehicular traffic.

Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel incorporates modern engineering standards with features such as efficient drainage system and strong safety protocols.

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6.Sanggadan Railway Tunnel

The Sangardan Railway Tunnel is located in Jammu and Kashmir and has a total length of approximately 7.1 kilometers. It was completed in 2017 and is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramala Railway Project.

This rail tunnel plays a vital role in enhancing rail connectivity through challenging mountainous terrain.

Constructed using advanced tunneling technology suited to the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, the Sangadan Railway Tunnel improves access to remote areas while ensuring safe train movement throughout the year.

7. La Pulu Tunnel

The Lapuru Tunnel is located in Andhra Pradesh and is an important railway tunnel with a length of approximately 6.64 kilometers.

The tunnel, which officially opened in 2019, enhances connectivity in the region by providing a direct route for train services traveling through challenging terrain.

The La Plu Tunnel was designed using modern engineering practices and incorporates basic safety features such as ventilation systems and emergency exits to ensure the safety of passengers during transportation.

8. Kabud Tunnel

The Kabud Tunnel is located in Maharashtra, with a total length of approximately 6.5 kilometers and was completed in 1997.

This railway tunnel plays an important role in facilitating train services in the hilly districts of Maharashtra.

Constructed using advanced engineering methods appropriate to its location, the Kabud Tunnel enhances connectivity while ensuring safe movement of passengers and cargo.

9. Nathuwadi Tunnel

The Nathuwadi Tunnel, also located in Maharashtra, is about 4.8 kilometers long and was completed in 1963. This railway tunnel is an important link in Maharashtra’s vast railway network.

Designed to efficiently traverse the hilly landscape, the Nathuwadi Tunnel has played an integral role in enhancing train services across the region since its construction.

It was built using modern technology of the time while ensuring the safe passage of trains as they traveled through challenging terrain.

10. Tektronix Tunnel

The Tik Tunnel, also located in Maharashtra, is approximately 4.07 kilometers long and was completed in 1997.

This railway tunnel has made a significant contribution to improving connectivity within the railway system of Maharashtra.

Constructed using efficient tunneling methods tailored to its geographical challenges, the Teck Tunnel has facilitated smooth train operations throughout the route since its opening.

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List of longest tunnels under construction

Here is a list of the longest tunnels under construction:

1. Patapani Railway Tunnel

The Patalpani rail tunnel in Borghedi, Madhya Pradesh, is expected to open in 2025, making it the longest rail tunnel in India.

This impressive tunnel is approximately 14 kilometers long and was designed as a railway tunnel, allowing trains and vehicles to pass through.

The tunnel will connect the cities of Indore and Mumbai, significantly improving transport efficiency between these major urban centres.

The project aims to provide seamless access to tourist destinations, including the popular Patapani Falls, known for its scenic beauty.

The Patapani Railway Tunnel was constructed using advanced engineering techniques to ensure safety and durability in challenging geological conditions.

Its strategic importance is to improve connectivity across Madhya Pradesh and promote economic growth by facilitating movement of goods and passengers.

2. T-49 Tunnel

The T-49 tunnel is an important part of the Katra-Banihal railway line in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel, which is approximately 12.7 kilometers long, is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2024.

Located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, the T-49 tunnel will connect the towns of Banihal and Katra, thereby providing vital access to the Sumber and Arpinchala regions.

The tunnel consists of two main tunnels: the main tunnel and an escape tunnel developed parallel to it, connected by a cross passage for emergencies.

This design improves safety while adapting to the challenging terrain of the Himalayan region.

The construction of the T-49 Tunnel reflects India’s commitment to improving railway infrastructure and ensuring efficient transportation solutions in remote areas while promoting regional connectivity and development.

What’s Next | Sonmarg’s Z-Morh Tunnel: Total Length, Project Cost, Maps and Other Key Details

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion