Kullu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Atal Tunnel Rohtang on October 3 in Himachal Pradesh. Ahead of PM's arrival, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will reach Manali on 2 October and inaugurate three bridges on the Manali-Leh strategic route.
The inauguration of three bridges also includes the longest 360-meter Darcha bridge in the state on the Manali-Leh road.
According to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), one day before PM Modi's visit to Manali, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate Chandra Bridge in North Portal and Darcha Bridge on Chandra River.
A 100-meter-long bridge over the Chandra River at the North Portal of Atal Tunnel Rohtang was launched by the BRO in a record time of one and a half months. While the 360-meter long bridge at Darcha, about 32 km ahead of Keylong is the longest bridge on the 467 km Manali-Leh road.
Also read: Will Modi hold another 'Namaste Trump' rally: Chidambaram
Last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was to inaugurate the Palachan and Darcha bridge, but the program was postponed due to the death of Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi.
Adventure activities closed in Manali
Ahead of the PM's visit, the state police have tightened the security system and temporarily stopped adventure activities including paragliding till October 3 in the tourism city Manali.
The tourists have been asked by the police not to go to the upper areas of Solang Nala and Manali. For security purposes, tenants, labourers, hawkers, and tourists have been asked to do go though police verification.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Singh said that during the October 3 visit of the Prime Minister, the use of any flying object or drone in the Kullu-Manali area is not allowed.
Also read: PM Modi, Venkaiah Naidu greet President Kovind on birthday
He added that those coming to the Solang Nala program on the day of inauguration will also have to bring an identity card with them while remote devices, remote car keys, bags, etc are not allowed.
In view of the guidelines issued regarding Corona, all the people coming to the program should follow the face cover and social distancing. Only authorized people will come to the Solang Nala program. Drivers and other unauthorized staff will be confined to the parking area.
