For any engineering student, a textbook can only teach you so much. Real learning happens where steel meets stone. The AICTE YUVAK (Youth Undertaking Visit for Acquiring Knowledge) scheme recognizes this by offering students a front-row seat to one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: the Atal Tunnel.
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Built at a staggering altitude of over 10,000 feet, this tunnel isn’t just a road—it’s a masterclass in modern civil and structural engineering.
What is the AICTE YUVAK Scheme?
The YUVAK scheme is a dedicated grant program by the All India Council for Technical Education. It provides financial backing to technical institutions to organize a 3-day study tour to the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh.
The goal? To move beyond theory and witness the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and high-altitude logistics in action.
Grant & Eligibility Highlights (2026 Cycle)
| Feature | Details |
| Total Grant | Up to ₹2,00,000 per team |
| Team Size | 10 Students + 1 Faculty Member |
| Eligibility | 2nd & 3rd Year B.E./B.Tech or Integrated M.Tech |
| Disciplines | Civil, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering |
| Academic Bar | Minimum 8.5 CGPA in the previous semester |
| Institute Rank | Must be in the NIRF Top 500 |
Engineering Marvels You’ll Study on Site
The Atal Tunnel (9.02 km) is the longest highway tunnel in the world at this altitude. During a YUVAK tour, students focus on three critical technical pillars:
1. The New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM)
Unlike traditional boring methods, NATM uses the inherent geological strength of the surrounding rock mass to stabilize the tunnel. Students can observe the Fibre-Reinforced Concrete and Rock Bolting (26.5mm diameter) systems that keep the mountain from moving.
2. The Semi-Transverse Ventilation System
At 10,000 feet, oxygen and air quality are major concerns. The tunnel uses massive fans to circulate fresh air through a specialized duct system.
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Safety Limit: Air quality is monitored to keep CO concentration below 150ppm.
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Visibility: Designed to maintain a visibility factor of 0.009/m even during peak traffic.
3. The Integrated Emergency Tunnel
Safety engineering is at its peak here. Beneath the main 10-meter wide road lies a 2.25m tall emergency escape tunnel. It is integrated directly into the cross-section, allowing for a safe exit every 500 meters in case of a fire or accident.
Overcoming the “Seri Nala” Challenge
One of the most inspiring parts of the YUVAK tour is learning about the Seri Nala Fault Zone. For years, engineers faced a massive influx of water (up to 125 liters per second) and shifting mud that threatened to collapse the entire project.
The successful completion of this stretch is a testament to Indian engineering resilience. Students get to learn the specific dewatering and reinforcement techniques used to “tame” the fault zone.
How to Apply for the YUVAK Grant
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Check Eligibility: Ensure your college falls within the NIRF 001–500 rank.
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Form a Team: Select 10 high-performing students (8.5+ CGPA) and one coordinating faculty member.
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Online Submission: Apply through the official AICTE Student Development Cell portal.
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Itinerary: Prepare a detailed 3-day schedule covering the South Portal (Dhundi) and North Portal (Sissu).
Pro-Tip for 2026 Tours: May is the ideal time for a technical visit. While the tunnel is an all-weather route, the weather in May allows for better visibility of the approach roads and avalanche protection structures without the extreme sub-zero temperatures of winter.
Final Thoughts
The YUVAK Study Tour is more than just a trip to the mountains; it’s a career-defining experience. Seeing the scale of the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) work firsthand inspires a new generation of “Nation Builders.”