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Journalism of Courage
State capital and a popular tourist spot,Shimla has got the first modern two-lane traffic tunnel to be known as Auckland Tunnel.
Built at a cost of Rs 10 crore,the tunnel was inaugurated by Chief Minister P K Dhumal on Monday morning.
The 75-metre tunnel will reduce the distance between Victory Tunnel and Sanjauli.
It will also reduce traffic congestion on Cart Road,especially in the educational institutional area.
Three existing old tunnels in the town besides a northern Railways narrow gauge train tunnel no. 103 are prominent landmarks of the hill town and tourists attractions.
Except the Lower Bazaar tunnel meant for pedestrian movement in the town,the other two are traffic tunnels.
The Auckland tunnel had remained closed for a long time because of its dilapidated condition and seepage of water from overhead drinking water supply pipes.
