Longest Tunnels in India

Here is the list of the biggest tunnels in India:

• Atal Road Tunnel

Previously known as the Rohtang Tunnel, the stunning Atal Road Tunnel is named after the legendary PM of India, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The tunnel’s construction was started in the year 2010, and it is expected to bring Keylong and Manali closer by cutting the distance by approximately 46 kilometres. It is one of the longest road tunnels in India and was inaugurated by the current PM of India, Mr Narendra Modi, in the year 2020. This is one of the must-visit tunnels in the list of India's longest road tunnels.

• Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel

Famously known as Patnitop Tunnel and Chenani Nashri Tunnel, this tunnel was inaugurated in 2017. There are two tubes situated in the tunnel that run parallelly against each other. Being one of the largest tunnels in India, the tunnel is situated at an elevation of about 4000 metres. The tunnel has helped in decreasing the distance between Jammu’s capital and Jammu from 41km to about 9kms. Thus, with a length of 9 Kilometres, it is the longest road tunnel in India.

• Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel

The stunning tunnel runs across the Himalayan ranges in the heart of J&K. Also known as the T-80, it is not only one of India's longest railway tunnels but is also the longest transport tunnel in the country. The tunnel opened in 2013 and since then has provided unparalleled service. The time that it takes to pass this tunnel is about 9 minutes. So now, you know one of the longest railway tunnels in India.

• Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel

The tunnel that is located at 1800 metres above sea level is one of the biggest tunnels in India. This tunnel comprises two different tubes that run parallelly. These tubes are connected at different intervals using cross passages. The tunnel has been under construction since it began in 2011 and is expected to open in some time. The distance between Qazigund and Banihal will significantly decrease with the help of this tunnel. Thus, this is also one of the longest tunnels in India.

• Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel

One of India’s longest railway tunnels, the Trivandrum Port Railway Tunnel, is still being constructed. The main reason for constructing this tunnel was to connect the Vizhinjam International Multipurpose Deepwater Seaport to the developing railway network in the area. The tunnel is expected to be completed by 2022. It is considered the 2nd longest railway tunnel in India.

• Sangaldan Railway Tunnel

The tunnel that was completed in 2010 and was opened to the public in the year 2017 is one of the largest tunnels in India. It is one of the longest railway tunnels in India and connects Baramulla and Jammu. The tunnel falls under the Banihal and Katra railway stations.

• Rapuru Railway Tunnel

Famous for being the first electrified railway tunnel in the country and also one of India’s longest railway tunnels, the Rapuru railway tunnel looks like a horseshoe. Opened in 2019, the stunning Rapuru railway tunnel has reduced the time taken between the cities of Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli by almost five hours. It is one of the longest tunnels in India, providing the shortest distance between Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Mumbai.

• Karbude Railway Tunnel

Located in the incredible beauty of the Western Ghats, the Karbude Railway Tunnel was the brainchild of the Konkan Railways when they decided to link Mangalore and Mumbai. It is one of the largest tunnels in India, and the tunnel is located between the railway stations of Bhoke and Ukshi.

• Natuwadi Railway Tunnel

One of the longest railway tunnels in India, this railway tunnel has been used since 1997. It is also known as T-6 and is also located in the mesmerising Western Ghats. Although the tunnel has faced a lot of challenges because of the immensely rugged terrain, it has withstood all those and has decreased the distance between Mangalore and Maharashtra. Thus, it is one of India’s longest railway tunnels.

• Tike Railway Tunnel

Located in the hilly terrain of the Sahyadri range, the Tike Railway Tunnel was completed in 1997. The tunnel is a part of the Konkan Railways and exceeds the Natuwadi Tunnel in length. It is one of India’s longest railway tunnels and is also called T-39. It is one of the biggest achievements of the country in terms of infrastructure construction.

These tunnels have enabled common Indians to travel from one place to another in lesser time and with ease. All these incredible tunnels in India are some of our biggest achievements when it comes to infrastructure. However, before you plan to travel to any of these places, it is essential that you get suitable travel insurance so that you can make the most of your trips!