In a written reply to a question raised by a BJP MLA, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said, "57 per cent digging of the tunnel has been completed and the construction is likely to be completed by January 2019."
The tunnel project beneath Rohtang Pass at a height of 13,050 ft was aimed to provide all weather connectivity to the tribal Lahaul Valley and reduce the distance between Manali and Keylong by 46 km, while driving time would be cut by more than five hours.