Devendra Heta, Shimla11 hours ago
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The Atal Tunnel built under the 13058 feet high Rohtang Pass in Himachal has emerged as a new tourist destination. In the first week of June, more than two lakh tourists came to see the Atal Tunnel. Even in the month of May, more than 7 lakh tourists reached the Atal Tunnel and saw the beautiful valleys here.
Since the formation of Atal Tunnel, this is the record number of tourists till now. The major reason for the record tourists reaching the Atal Tunnel is the snowfall in the higher reaches of Kullu district till May 15. After many years in the state, snow has fallen on Rohtang and nearby peaks in May as well.
In the first week of June, 4272 vehicles arrived more than last year
According to the Kullu police, 29,510 small and big vehicles reached the Atal Tunnel from June 1 to June 7 this year, whereas in 2022, 25,238 vehicles arrived during this period, which means 4272 more vehicles reached this year. In May last year, 79,473 vehicles and this year 1,02,521 vehicles came to Atal Tunnel. That is, compared to 2022, this time 23,048 more vehicles of tourists came to see the Atal Tunnel to avoid the heat of May.
13,2031 vehicles arrived from May 1 to June 7
During the summer season last year from May 1 to June 7, 1,04,711 vehicles arrived. This year 1,32,031 vehicles crossed the Atal Tunnel. Meaning, this year 27,231 more vehicles arrived. From May 1 to June 7 this year, 9,24,224 lakh tourists and last year 7,32,977 tourists came to see the Atal Tunnel. Means this time 1,91,247 more tourists reached Rohtang.
increased tourism business
Due to the Atal Tunnel, the number of tourists has also increased in Kullu, Manali and Lahaul Valley and the tourist places of the district have become attractive. This has brought a sigh of relief to the tourism businessmen, as the tourism industry has suffered huge losses for two years due to Corona.
PM inaugurated in October 2020
Atal Tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020 itself. This has given wings to tourism in the region. Especially the movement of the people of Lahaul Valley for 12 months has also been facilitated, because due to heavy snowfall in Rohtang Pass, the people of Lahaul Valley were cut off from Kullu district for five to seven months.
police register vehicles
The police department continuously registers the vehicles reaching the Atal Tunnel. This figure is being calculated by calculating the number of tourists at an average rate of 7 persons per vehicle, because thousands of tourists reach the Atal Tunnel in Volvo Buses, Tempo Travelers as well. Sometimes there are 40 to 45 passengers in Volvo buses and 10 to 12 people in Tempo Traveler.
Good summer tourism season this time
Anup Thakur, President of Kullu-Manali Tourism Development Board, said that the tourism industry had suffered the most during the Corona period, but this time the tourism business has been good in the summer season. The reason for this is good connectivity and snowfall till a few days ago. He has demanded to create new tourist destinations and create infrastructure to promote the tourism industry.