Opened for traffic in October 2020, the 5.6-mile (9 km) Atal Tunnel in India became the world’s longest tunnel at an elevation higher than 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Connecting Manali and Keylong cities in the Himalayan mountain range, this tunnel cut travel time from six to seven hours down to two. Previously, the only route was through the Rohtang pass, which has an excessive number of switchbacks, is prone to erosion, landslides, and snowcovered for most of the year. Taking ten years and $430 million to build, the new tunnel accommodates vehicular travel year round. Named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this was a highly-publicized project symbolizing national pride.
General contractor Afcons-Strabag AG decided against using a boring machine; instead, blasting and drilling a horseshoe-shaped tunnel. The design incorporates a 26 ft (8 m) wide two-lane road, a 3 ft (1 m) pedestrian sidewalk on each side of the road, an emergency egress pedestrian tunnel, state-of-the-art ventilation system, and regularly spaced telephones, CCTV cameras, and fire hydrants. Exclusively paved with a Power Paver SF-2700, the concrete road installation began in February 2019.
Afcons-Strabag AG partnered with PH Infratech, who supplied the SF-2700 and paving crew. Mr. Irinder Singh Ahluwalia, Partner, PH Infratech, explains the paving equipment selection, “The SF-2700 machine was very easy to move inside the tunnel operating in the tightly confined space. They also selected it because of the low profile of the machine. The tamper system and edge overbuild helped the edges to be very precise despite variations in slump. The belt finisher also aided the finishing crew. Finishing inside the deep tunnel was a tough job, and the machine minimized the handwork.”
Based in Gurgaon, Haryana, PH Infratech has grown to fourteen employees since their 2018 founding. In addition to the SF-2700, its fleet includes a Power Paver SF1700. Power Curber Companies’ Indian dealer, Allen Buildwell Pvt. Ltd., supports their Power Pavers equipment. Pleased with the local service, Mr. Ahluwalia says, “We have recommended Allen Buildwell to contractors throughout India.” Reflecting on the one-of-a-kind paving project, he concludes, “the machine was wonderful on the project; simple but strong to work in such tough conditions.”
