New traffic regulations issued for Atal Tunnel after reckless driving & taking selfies causes accidents

Manali: Days after the Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet, was inaugurated, authorities have been compelled to issue fresh traffic regulations. This comes after the tunnel saw three accidents within just three days of its opening on October 3.

The new guidelines issued by the District Magistrate of Kullu has completely banned the unnecessary movement in the tunnel's emergency exits.

The DM has also banned photography and videography from 200 metres before the south portal, up to the end of the tunnel.

Earlier, BRO chief engineer of Atal Tunnel, Brigadier KP Purushothaman, had claimed that the accidents had occurred mostly due to reckless driving. He also added that people were taking selfies in the tunnel while throwing caution to the wind.

He has said that the indecent behavior by the tourists was caught on cameras installed inside the tunnel.

It is pertinent to mention that on Sunday, 4 December, 3 vehicles had collided in the tunnel due to speeding.

No case was registered as the motorists came to a compromise, reports stated.

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