Rohtang Highway Tunnel

Transportation infrastructure across the Himalayas

Located in the Himalayas of northern India, the Rohtang Highway Tunnel is a major transportation infrastructure project that improves mobility in the regions of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti. The approximately 9-kilometre-long road tunnel shortens the route across the Rohtang Pass by around 60 kilometres and provides a more reliable year-round connection through a mountainous region that was previously difficult to access during winter months.
 
Erected at an altitude of around 3.000 metres, the highway tunnel was delivered under demanding geological and climatic conditions. The project faced challenges ranging from fractured rock formations and high-water pressure to heavy snowfall, avalanches and monsoon-related landslides. Despite these conditions, the tunnel now forms a key transportation link that supports regional mobility and accessibility.

Awarded to a joint venture between STRABAG and Afcons, the tunnelling project was carried out using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and drill-and-blast excavation. Completed in 2020, the Rohtang Highway Tunnel demonstrates STRABAG International’s expertise in tunnelling, underground construction and transportation infrastructure projects in challenging mountain environments.  

Scope of Work

• Construction of the Rohtang Highway Tunnel 
• NATM tunnelling and drill-and-blast excavation 
• Tunnel excavation from the north and south portals 
• Construction of road tunnel infrastructure 
• Works under challenging geological and climatic conditions 
• Delivery of a year-round transportation connection through the Himalayas