President Droupadi Murmu visits Atal Tunnel during Himachal Pradesh tour
Babushahi Bureau
Manali (Himachal Pradesh), October 7, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday visited the 9.02-km-long Atal Tunnel during the second day of her three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta and Lady Governor Bindu Gupta accompanied the President during her visit to the tunnel, located at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
President Murmu was accorded a traditional welcome by local residents at the North Portal of the tunnel. Technical Education Minister and Minister-in-Waiting Rajesh Dharmani, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, Deputy Commissioner Kiran Badana, district administration officials and Army personnel were also present.
Governor Kavinder Gupta described the Atal Tunnel as a world-class engineering achievement and said it had significantly improved connectivity between Lahaul-Spiti and the rest of the country.
He said the tunnel reflected India’s technological capability and its commitment to connecting people living in remote and difficult geographical regions. He added that major infrastructure projects in challenging terrain not only strengthen connectivity but also create greater opportunities for development in remote areas.
During the visit, President Murmu was briefed on the engineering and technical features of the tunnel and took keen interest in its construction. She also viewed the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Later, President Murmu and Governor Gupta visited the Hidimba Temple at Dhungri in Manali, where they offered prayers and paid obeisance. They prayed for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of the country.
Meanwhile, Governor Gupta visited the Forest Rest House in Manali and participated in a plantation drive, planting a Ginkgo biloba sapling. He highlighted the importance of conserving Himachal Pradesh’s natural heritage and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem through sustainable development.