The government is focusing on strengthening the existing road and railway network in India, aimed at enhancing connectivity across cities. Most routes have tunnels, which are underground passageways constructed to cross through mountains, water bodies, etc., allowing easy access. Tunnel construction has become important in most of the infrastructural projects, given the country’s diverse geography. There are some tunnels recognised as among the longest tunnels in India, providing enhanced accessibility and reflecting the nation’s engineering prowess.
10 longest tunnels in India
| Tunnel | Length in kilometre (km) |
| Patalpani Rail Tunnel | 14 km |
| Zoji La Tunnel | 14 km |
| Tunnel T-49 | 12.7 km |
| Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel | 11.21 km |
| Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel | 9.02 km |
| Atal Tunnel | 9.02 km |
| Trivandrum Port Tunnel | 9.02 km |
| Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel | 8.45 km |
| Sangaldan Railway Tunnel | 7.1 km |
| Rapuru Tunnel | 6.6 km |
Patalpani Rail Tunnel
Length: 14 km
Classification: Rail cum road tunnel
Location: Borkhedi, Madhya Pradesh
Opening: 2025
The Patalpani Rail Tunnel is one of the longest railway tunnels in the world. It is in Borkhedi, Madhya Pradesh and will be operational in 2025. It is a unique construction allowing both trains and vehicles to pass through. The tunnel route will link the cities of Indore and Mumbai. It provides easy access to tourist hubs, including the Patalpani waterfall.
Zoji La Tunnel
Length: 14 km
Classification: Road tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2030
The Zoji La Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir, connecting Srinagar and Leh (Ladakh plateau) via Dras and Kargil on the National Highway 1. It is currently under construction and set to become Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. The tunnel is equipped with modern safety features, including a fully transverse ventilation system, CCTV monitoring, uninterrupted power supply, emergency lighting, variable message signs, traffic logging equipment, and a tunnel radio system.
Tunnel T-49
Length: 12.7 km
Classification: Railway tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2023
The T-49 railway tunnel is built on the 45-km Katra-Banihal railway route in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning a length of 12.7 km, at an elevation of 1,400 metre above sea level. The tunnel route, linking Banihal and Katra, provides access to the regions of Sumber and Arpinchala. The tunnel comprises two tubes – the main tunnel and an escape tunnel being developed parallel to the main tunnel and linked via cross passages.
Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (Jammu-Baramulla line)
Length: 11.21 km
Classification: Railway Tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2013
This railway tunnel, constructed in the Pir Panjal Mountain Range in Jammu and Kashmir, is built on the Jammu-Baramulla section at an elevation of 1,760 metre. The existing tunnel route connects Jammu Tawi, Udhampur to Banihal, enabling commuters to travel through this route to reach Srinagar.
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Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel (Chenani-Nashri Tunnel)
Length: 9.02 km
Classification: Road Tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2017
This road tunnel opened in 2017 is in the lower Himalayan region on NH-44 at an elevation of 1,200 metre. The all-weather tunnel route connects places, such as Patnitop, Kud, and Batote and has reduced travel time to around two hours. The width of the tunnel is 13 metre and equipped with modern facilities and safety features.
Atal Tunnel
Length: 9.02 km
Classification: Road tunnel
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Opening: 2022
The Atal Tunnel, earlier known as the Rohtang Tunnel, has been named after former prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It has been constructed under the Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh on the Leh-Manali highway. It has reduced the travel time from around six hours to just 15 minutes. The tunnel connects Manali and Keylong. This all-weather tunnel enables vehicles to bypass avalanches, landslides, and harsh weather conditions.
Trivandrum Port Tunnel (Varkala Tunnel)
Length: 9.02 km
Classification: Port tunnel
Location: Kerala
Opening: 2022
The Trivandrum Port Tunnel is one of the oldest tunnels in India, constructed in 1867. It was built as a trading route through an inland waterway connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari. It enabled the efficient movement of goods and people from Trivandrum.
Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel
Length: 8.45 km
Classification: Road tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2021
The Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel has been developed at an elevation of 1,790 metre in the Himalayan region. The tunnel route, which starts from Qazigund, forms a part of the NH-44. It has helped in significantly reducing the travel time from Srinagar and Jammu. It comprises two parallel tunnels, where each tunnel is meant for travelling in one direction. Developed on Build, Operate, and Transfer (B-O-T) basis, the tunnel is equipped with modern facilities, including CCTV cameras, jet fans, etc.
Sangaldan Railway Tunnel
Length: 7.1 km
Classification: Railway Tunnel
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Opening: 2017
The Sangaldan Railway Tunnel is one of the longest railway tunnels in India, connecting Sangaldan and Kohil in Jammu and Kashmir. It is built on the Katra and Banihal Railway Line and covers areas such as Lahli, Baramulla, Banihal, Katra, etc. The construction was undertaken by the Konkan Railway Corporation.
Rapuru Tunnel
Length: 6.6 km
Classification: Railway Tunnel
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Opening: 2019
The Rapuru Tunnel is the longest electrified rail tunnel in India (Andhra Pradesh). The tunnel is built between the Cherlopalli and Rapuru stations on the Obulavaripalli – Venkatachalam Railway Line. It is a modern tunnel with the latest features such as LED lights installed every 10 metres. It has reduced the travel time from 10 hours to five hours.
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All these tunnel projects, including railway and road tunnels, have played a crucial role in enabling smooth movement across difficult terrains. Modern tunnel projects undertaken by the government are equipped with advanced features, ensuring convenience and safety of the commuters.
Some tunnel projects, such as Patalpani Rail Tunnel and Zoji La Tunnel, are under construction. Once operational, these will enhance connectivity and enable faster and easier access to people.
FAQs
Which is the smallest tunnel in India?
The Bhanwar Tonk Tunnel, spanning 1,024 metre, is the shortest tunnel in India located in Chhattisgarh.
Is Atal Tunnel longest in the world?
The Atal Tunnel is the longest highway single-tube tunnel in the world.
Which is the longest tunnel pass in India?
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in India, spanning 9.02 km.
Which is the Asia's longest tunnel?
The Zoji La tunnel is set to become Asia’s longest bidirectional tunnel.
What is the old name of Atal Tunnel?
The Atal Tunnel was formerly known as the Rohtang Tunnel.
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