The strategic Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, has become one of the top tourist attractions this season. For the first time since it was opened to vehicular traffic, the tunnel saw a record single-day influx of 5,450 vehicles on Sunday.
Approximately 2,800 vehicles traveled to Lahaul from Manali, while 2,650 vehicles came from Lahaul.
On Monday, more than 5,000 vehicles crossed the Atal Tunnel Rohtang (ATR) from both ends.
Police Superintendent (SP) Kullu Gaurav Singh said there was bumper-to-bumper traffic on the route. For every 1,000 vehicles on the Manali Bailey Bridge, a delay was introduced from the green tax barrier to control the passage and crossing on the Bailey Bridge connecting the Left Bank
“All vehicles going beyond Solang Nala into the tunnel were mandatorily directed to the South Portal of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel and then U-turns were facilitated,” said the SP.
He said that more than 30 drivers who were ahead of the queue were challenged and fined for disrupting the movement of traffic. They were allowed to move only after all other traffic was cleared. No overtaking zone was implemented between Palchan and the South Portal.
At least 15 people in two vehicles were arrested and fined Rs 40,000 for obstructing traffic in the Atal tunnel and for violating Covid-19 protocols. Seven of these tourists were from Delhi, while eight were from Uttar Pradesh.
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