List of Top 10 Longest Tunnels in India

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

But do you know there are so many tunnels in India that are considered some of the longest and most strategically important in the country? For example, the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh is the longest highway tunnel in the world at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. 

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

In this article, we'll look at the top 10 longest tunnels in India and explore their significance in enhancing connectivity and transportation across different regions of the country.

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List of the Longest Tunnels in India

Here's the list of the longest tunnels in India, showcasing remarkable engineering marvels that connect diverse regions and facilitate seamless transportation across challenging terrains. The list includes:

Source: CheggIndia

1. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel

The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, also known as the Banihal-Qazigund Railway Tunnel, is the longest railway tunnel in India, measuring approximately 11.21 kilometres. 

The tunnel consists of a single 8.4 m diameter tube. It is India's longest transport tunnel, also known as T-80.

Construction began in November 2005 and was completed in June 2013. This tunnel is a significant engineering achievement, located in the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal mountain range in Jammu and Kashmir. 

It serves as a crucial link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, which aims to enhance connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. 

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

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

Its construction employed advanced techniques, including the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), ensuring safety and durability against geological challenges.

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

2. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, also known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, is a vital road tunnel located in Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel spans approximately 9.2 kilometres and was officially opened to traffic in April 2017. 

It is notable for being India's longest road tunnel and plays a crucial role in connecting Jammu with Srinagar, particularly during harsh winter conditions when snow can block traditional routes.

Constructed under the Chenani-Nashri Road Project, this tunnel significantly reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by bypassing the treacherous mountainous terrain. 

The tunnel features state-of-the-art safety systems, including fire detection, ventilation, and emergency exits, ensuring traveller safety.

3. Trivandrum Port Tunnel

The Trivandrum Port Tunnel, located in Kerala, is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity to Trivandrum Port. 

Measuring approximately 9 kilometres, this road tunnel was inaugurated in 2022. The tunnel serves as a critical link for commercial traffic, facilitating smoother transportation of goods to and from the port.

This project was designed to alleviate congestion on existing roads while providing an efficient route for heavy vehicles. The Trivandrum Port Tunnel incorporates modern engineering practices, ensuring durability and safety for users. 

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

4. Atal Tunnel

The Atal Tunnel, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is an impressive engineering feat that spans about 9 kilometres. 

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

Constructed at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the Atal Tunnel enhances connectivity by significantly reducing travel time between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti during the winter months. 

The tunnel features state-of-the-art safety measures such as fire detection systems, emergency exits, and robust ventilation systems. 

5. Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel

The Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, located in Jammu and Kashmir, measures approximately 8.5 kilometres and was opened for public use in 2021. 

This road tunnel serves as a critical link between Banihal and Qazigund, significantly improving connectivity across the rugged terrain of the region.

Designed to mitigate disruptions caused by heavy snowfall during winter months, this tunnel provides an all-weather route for vehicular traffic. 

The Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel incorporates modern engineering standards with features such as effective drainage systems and robust safety protocols.

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6. Sangaldan Railway Tunnel

The Sangaldan Railway Tunnel, located in Jammu and Kashmir, spans approximately 7.1 kilometres and was completed in 2017 as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. 

This railway tunnel plays a vital role in enhancing train connectivity across challenging mountainous regions.

Constructed using advanced tunnelling techniques suitable for the rugged Himalayan landscape, the Sangaldan Railway Tunnel improves access to remote areas while ensuring safe passage for trains throughout the year.

7. Rapuru Tunnel

The Rapuru Tunnel, situated in Andhra Pradesh, is a significant railway tunnel measuring around 6.64 kilometres long. 

Officially opened in 2019, this tunnel enhances connectivity within the region by providing a direct route for train services through challenging terrain.

Designed with modern engineering practices, the Rapuru Tunnel incorporates essential safety features such as ventilation systems and emergency exits to ensure passenger safety during transit. 

8. Karbude Tunnel

The Karbude Tunnel, located in Maharashtra, spans approximately 6.5 kilometres and was completed in 1997. 

This railway tunnel plays an essential role in facilitating train services through mountainous regions of Maharashtra.

Constructed with advanced engineering methods suitable for its geographical location, the Karbude Tunnel enhances connectivity while ensuring safe transit for passengers and goods alike.

9. Natuwadi Tunnel

The Natuwadi Tunnel, also situated in Maharashtra, measures around 4.8 kilometres long and was completed in 1963. This railway tunnel serves as a crucial link within Maharashtra's extensive railway network.

Designed to navigate through hilly landscapes effectively, the Natuwadi Tunnel has played an integral role in enhancing train services across its region since its inception. 

Its construction utilised contemporary techniques of its time while ensuring safe passage for trains traversing through challenging terrains.

10. Tike Tunnel

The Tike Tunnel, located in Maharashtra as well, measures approximately 4.07 kilometres long and was completed in 1997. 

This railway tunnel contributes significantly to improving connectivity within Maharashtra's railway system.

Constructed using effective tunnelling methods tailored for its geographical challenges, the Tike Tunnel has facilitated smoother train operations across its route since opening.

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List of Longest Tunnels Under Construction

Here’s the list of the longest tunnels under construction:

1. Patalpani Rail Tunnel

The Patalpani Rail Tunnel, located in Borkhedi, Madhya Pradesh, is set to become India's longest railway tunnel upon its anticipated opening in 2025. 

This impressive tunnel spans approximately 14 kilometres and is designed as a rail-road tunnel, allowing both trains and vehicles to traverse its length. 

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

This project aims to provide seamless access to tourist destinations, including the popular Patalpani waterfall, known for its scenic beauty. 

The construction of the Patalpani Rail Tunnel incorporates advanced engineering techniques to ensure safety and durability in challenging geological conditions. 

Its strategic significance lies in improving connectivity across Madhya Pradesh and facilitating economic growth by easing the movement of goods and passengers.

2. Tunnel T-49

Tunnel T-49 is an essential component of the Katra-Banihal railway route in Jammu and Kashmir. Measuring approximately 12.7 kilometres, this tunnel is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by 2024. 

Positioned at an elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level, Tunnel T-49 will link the towns of Banihal and Katra, thereby providing vital access to the regions of Sumber and Arpinchala.

The tunnel comprises two main tubes: the primary tunnel and an escape tunnel developed parallel to it, connected by cross passages for emergency situations. 

This design enhances safety while accommodating the challenging topography of the Himalayan region. 

The construction of Tunnel T-49 reflects India's commitment to improving railway infrastructure, ensuring efficient transport solutions in remote areas while fostering regional connectivity and development.

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