The engines started inside one of the world’s most remarkable high-altitude road tunnels.
On two motorcycles were 10 riders from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals Dare Devils Team. Ahead of them stretched the entire 9.8-kilometre Atal Tunnel.
There was little margin for sudden movement, loss of balance or poor coordination. Each rider had to remain aligned with the others while the motorcycles continued moving through the enclosed mountain route.
On 1 July 2026, the team completed the journey in 9 minutes and 47.97 seconds at an altitude of approximately 10,075 feet. The performance formed part of the nationwide “Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti” motorcycle expedition and was dedicated to the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The public saw a performance lasting less than ten minutes. Behind it were months of training, preparation and trust.
The Atal Tunnel became their stage
The Corps of Signals team reached Palchan on 30 June 2026. The following day, the riders entered the Atal Tunnel for what the official Ministry of Defence release described as a new world record attempt.
Atal Tunnel was not selected merely because it is a famous landmark.
The route presented a demanding combination of:
- high altitude;
- enclosed roadway;
- mountain weather;
- controlled vehicle movement;
- limited room for error;
- the need to protect other road users.
The tunnel’s 9.8-kilometre length meant that the formation could not be maintained for only a brief demonstration. The riders had to preserve balance, spacing and control throughout the complete passage.
Ten riders, but one coordinated unit
The most striking fact was not simply the speed or distance.
It was the requirement for 10 people to perform together on only two motorcycles.
Every rider’s body position affected:
- motorcycle balance;
- weight distribution;
- steering stability;
- visibility;
- formation control;
- the safety of the other riders.
A conventional rider can adjust independently to changes in speed or direction. In this formation, one person’s movement could influence the stability of the entire group.
The riders therefore had to operate almost like a single system.
Individual courage was important, but collective control was essential.
The photographs included on page 2 of the official release show the two motorcycles moving side by side with the riders positioned in tightly packed formations. The visual demonstrates the level of coordination involved more clearly than the statistics alone.
The preparation the audience did not see
The Ministry of Defence release states that the team underwent months of:
- intensive training;
- repeated rehearsals;
- technical preparation;
- safety planning.
That preparation would have been essential because the team could not rely on improvisation once the attempt began.
The riders needed to know:
- where each person would be positioned;
- how weight would be distributed;
- how the motorcycles would accelerate;
- what speed could be maintained safely;
- how to respond to instability;
- when the attempt should be stopped;
- how emergency support would be activated.
The final timing of 9 minutes and 47.97 seconds was therefore only the visible outcome of a much longer process.
Why high altitude made the attempt harder
The performance took place at approximately 10,075 feet above sea level.
At such elevation, reduced oxygen availability can affect:
- breathing;
- physical endurance;
- concentration;
- reaction time;
- fatigue levels.
The riders also had to manage the mental pressure of performing a difficult formation inside an enclosed road tunnel.
The official release describes the attempt as requiring exceptional:
- precision;
- balance;
- endurance;
- teamwork;
- riding skill.
This is why the achievement should not be presented merely as a motorcycle stunt. It was a controlled high-altitude performance built around training and military discipline.
Precision mattered more than spectacle
Adventure displays often attract attention because they look dangerous.
The deeper value of this performance was different.
The objective was not reckless risk-taking. The team had to demonstrate that difficult physical activity could be executed through:
- planning;
- coordination;
- controlled movement;
- professional discipline;
- adherence to safety procedures.
A successful attempt required every rider to perform the correct action at the correct moment.
Courage brought the team to the tunnel. Precision carried it through.
Safety was built into the operation
The official release repeatedly emphasises that comprehensive safety arrangements were followed throughout the event.
The Army coordinated with:
- District Administration, Manali;
- Himachal Pradesh Police;
- Director General Border Roads;
- Project Yojak;
- Project Deepak;
- 38 Border Roads Task Force;
- road-management agencies.
The purpose was to protect:
- the riders;
- officials;
- support personnel;
- motorists;
- other road users.
This coordination is important because the Atal Tunnel is a functioning public road, not a closed military training ground.
The road had to be managed without compromising safety or creating unnecessary risk for the public.
Lieutenant General Vivek Dogra acknowledged the support
Lieutenant General Vivek Dogra, Sena Medal, Signal Officer-in-Chief and Colonel Commandant, expressed gratitude to the civil administration, police and Border Roads organisations involved in the planning and execution.
The official release specifically recognised the support of:
- District Administration, Manali;
- Himachal Pradesh Police;
- DGBR;
- Project Yojak;
- Project Deepak;
- 38 BRTF.
This acknowledgement shows that the attempt was not achieved by the riders alone. It depended on a wider operational network working behind the scenes.
Why was the feat dedicated to Kargil Vijay Diwas?
The Atal Tunnel challenge was planned as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and determination associated with the Indian Armed Forces.
The release says it was the first of several ambitious record attempts being undertaken by the Corps of Signals Dare Devils Team in the spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
This gave the performance a larger purpose.
It was intended to:
- honour military sacrifice;
- celebrate courage;
- demonstrate teamwork;
- inspire younger citizens;
- connect adventure with national service.
The record attempt was therefore not presented as entertainment alone.
What is Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti?
The Atal Tunnel feat forms part of a broader nationwide motorcycle expedition called:
Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti
The expedition is carrying a message of patriotism and national service through visits to:
- war memorials;
- military establishments;
- communication nodes;
- educational institutions;
- veterans;
- NCC cadets;
- young citizens.
The purpose is not limited to establishing records.
The expedition also celebrates the heritage of the Corps of Signals and encourages young people to think about:
- leadership;
- physical fitness;
- teamwork;
- mental resilience;
- national responsibility;
- disciplined service.
Why adventure activities matter to the Army?
Adventure training develops qualities that are directly relevant to military service.
These include:
- confidence under pressure;
- physical endurance;
- rapid decision-making;
- trust between team members;
- leadership;
- controlled risk management;
- mental resilience.
The Ministry of Defence release connects adventure activities with operational readiness and professional development.
The Atal Tunnel attempt demonstrated this connection visibly.
The same team qualities needed to keep two motorcycles stable under a complex formation—communication, trust and discipline—are also important in military operations.
Was a new world record officially certified?
The wording of the official PIB release needs to be handled carefully.
It states that the team:
successfully completed a new world record attempt.
However, the PDF does not include:
- a certificate from a record-verifying organisation;
- the name of a confirming record authority;
- a final record-registration number;
- formal independent certification.
Therefore, the accurate position is:
The Corps of Signals Dare Devils successfully completed the world record attempt. Formal certification should be described as confirmed only after a recognised authority issues it.
This distinction does not reduce the achievement. It simply ensures that the reporting remains accurate.
What should not be claimed yet?
Avoid headlines such as:
- “Army officially breaks world record”;
- “Guinness record confirmed”;
- “World record certificate awarded”;
- “Fastest-ever Atal Tunnel crossing confirmed.”
None of these claims is established by the uploaded release.
What this achievement teaches young people
The Dare Devils’ performance offers several lessons beyond motorcycle riding.
Preparation creates confidence
The team’s confidence came from months of practice rather than last-minute motivation.
Teamwork requires personal discipline
Each rider had to control individual movement for the stability of the entire formation.
Safety and courage must work together
Bravery without planning can become recklessness. The attempt succeeded because risk was managed carefully.
Big results often come from repetition
The final performance lasted under ten minutes, but it depended on repeated rehearsals.
A team is stronger when everyone understands their role
The riders succeeded because each person’s position and responsibility were clearly defined.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Corps of Signals Dare Devils do at Atal Tunnel?
Ten riders crossed the 9.8-kilometre Atal Tunnel using only two motorcycles as part of a world record attempt.
How long did the crossing take?
The official release records a time of 9 minutes and 47.97 seconds.
When was the attempt completed?
The attempt was completed on 1 July 2026.
At what altitude did it take place?
The release states that the tunnel section was at approximately 10,075 feet.
Why was it dedicated to Kargil Vijay Diwas?
It was intended to honour the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
Was it formally certified as a world record?
The official release confirms successful completion of the record attempt, but it does not include a separate formal record certificate.
What is Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti?
It is a nationwide Corps of Signals motorcycle expedition combining adventure, military outreach, patriotism and interaction with veterans and young citizens.
Who supported the event?
The Army worked with the Manali administration, Himachal Pradesh Police, Border Roads organisations and road-management agencies.
Conclusion
For less than ten minutes, 10 Corps of Signals riders became one coordinated formation inside the Atal Tunnel.
They crossed 9.8 kilometres on two motorcycles at an altitude of approximately 10,075 feet. But the real achievement was not measured only in distance and time.
It was visible in:
- months of preparation;
- complete trust between riders;
- disciplined movement;
- high-altitude endurance;
- safety planning;
- cooperation between military and civil authorities.
The feat was designed as a tribute to Kargil Vijay Diwas and as a message to young Indians that extraordinary goals require much more than courage.
The Atal Tunnel performance showed that ambition creates the challenge, but training, teamwork and discipline complete the mission.
Sources:-
Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — Corps of Signals Dare Devils Attempt New World Record at Atal Tunnel During “Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti” Expedition
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