18 Sep 2014 14:29

Tunnel connecting Dagestan highlands, plains closed for counterterrorism operation

MAKHACHKALA. Sept 18 (Interfax) - A tunnel connecting nine highland areas of Dagestan to the administrative center of the republic and a railroad are temporarily closed for the period of the counterterrorism operation regime put into place in the Buinaksk and Untsukul districts, a source in the Dagestani Operative Staff told Interfax.

"The tunnel will stay closed for five days for the security of citizens. Special measures are being taken in the districts within the counterterrorism operation framework," he said.

The Gimry tunnel is the longest in Europe; it connects Makhachkala to nine districts of Dagestan. Journey times may grow from two to five hours once the tunnel is closed for traffic.