HistoryTV18 is all set to premiere its latest documentary ‘Modern Marvel: Atal Tunnel’ on 20th October at 9 pm. The documentary is the inspiring story of the indomitable human spirit and the wonders of modern engineering.
India’s newest man-made marvel was dedicated to the nation on 3rd of October, 2020. It’s the longest high-altitude highway tunnel in the world. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the 9.02 km tunnel and road-link, connects Leh, in strategically sensitive Ladakh, with Manali via Keylong in Himachal Pradesh.
The idea of the tunnel took shape at the turn of the millennium, after a meeting between India’s Prime Minister at the time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his childhood friend Arjun Gopal, a resident of Lahaul. But it would be many years before the project got underway, only gathering momentum under the Modi government. Speaking at the inauguration of the tunnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underlined his commitment to fast-tracking projects of national interest, “When one wants to move on the path of development at a rapid pace and there is a strong desire for the development of the people of the country, then the speed has to be increased.”
HistoryTV18’s action-packed half-hour documentary uncovers little-known facts, shining the light on the enormity and complexity of the endeavour, giving a blow by blow account of the challenges and what it took to accomplish the mission. The show brings to life the triumph of the never-say-die spirit in this untold Himalayan odyssey. Parts of the documentary were filmed in winter to capture the hostile conditions that prevail that time of the year. The narrative showcases the trials and the setbacks that the project’s 750 officers, engineers, geologists, seismologists, drilling experts and over 3,000 workers overcame, turning the dream into reality.
Speaking about the importance of the tunnel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “Strategically and for its national importance, the tunnel is a blessing for our country. Along with its economic benefits, the tunnel also has great importance from a social perspective.”
Speaking about the programme, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director – A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO-Broadcast for Network18, says, “with ‘Modern Marvel: Atal Tunnel’ the team at HistoryTV18 continues to deliver riveting originals, with top-notch production values and exemplary storytelling that bring to life India’s stories that are as important historically, as they are entertaining and engaging. The Atal Tunnel is undoubtedly one of the great Modern Marvels of 21st-century India, in its making we have witnessed the making of history. We’re proud to have had the opportunity to tell its remarkable story.”
Watch ‘Modern Marvel: Atal Tunnel’ on 20th October at 9 pm on HistoryTV18 and HistoryTV18 HD.
