New Delhi, Dec 14 : Defence Minister A K Antony said here on Monday that technical and commercial bids for the construction of the Rohtang tunnel are being evaluated.

The construction is being taken up by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) with the aim of linking Lahul-Spiti District in Himachal Pradesh to other parts of the state.

Replying to a question, Antony informed the House, that the contract for the construction of Rohtang tunnel was awarded to M/s Starbag-Afcon Joint Venture on September 24, 2009 and the construction work is targeted for completion by 2015.

The Rohtang Pass is located 51 kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 13044 feet above the sea level.

The tunnel project was conceived in 1983 as a strategic project to provide an all weather route to Leh and to the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. (ANI)