New Delhi: Three accidents in just three days. That is what has happened at the Atal tunnel inaugurated just three days back. The reason for the accidents – selfies. Flouting every traffic rule, motorists have been stopping and clicking selfies resulting in accidents.
The Chief Engineer of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Brigadier KP Purushothaman said, "Three accidents were reported in a single day after the tunnel was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 3. Showing a complete disregard for traffic rules, tourists and motorists have been clicking selfies while riding." No individual is permitted to park their vehicles in the tunnel.
The official said that to prevent further accidents in the tunnel, he has requested for police deployment.
The SP of Kullu, Gaurav Singh told that various steps are being taken by the police to stop rash driving and over-speeding in the Atal tunnel. Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, the Tribal Affairs Minister asked the district authorities to take immediate action for the same. The BRO informed that the Atal tunnel would remain closed from 9-10 am and 4-5 pm daily for the public.
There are also instances of throwing of garbage near the tunnel area.
The tunnel is 9.02km long and is said to the world's longest highway tunnel. This all-weather tunnel has reduced the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km. The travel time has been reduced by four to five hours.