In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically crucial Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district. This engineering marvel, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), promises to revolutionize connectivity in the region and enhance national security.

Key Highlights of Sela Tunnel:

1. Length and Cost:

   • The Sela Tunnel project, strategically vital for the region, spans approximately 12 kilometers. It comprises two tunnels and 8.780 kilometers of approach road.
   • Constructed at a cost of ₹825 crore, this ambitious project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region.

2. Tunnel Structure:

   • The Sela Tunnel consists of two components:
     • The first tunnel is a single-tube tunnel, stretching 980 meters.
     • The second tunnel measures 1.5 kilometers and includes an escape tube for emergencies.
   • Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), this tunnel stands at an impressive altitude of 13,000 feet, making it the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel.

3. Strategic Significance:

   • Situated on the road linking Assam’s Tezpur to Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang, the Sela Tunnel ensures ‘all-weather’ connectivity to the Tawang region.
   • Its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) renders it strategically significant. The tunnel facilitates access to areas prone to inclement weather conditions and challenging terrain.

4. Location:

   • The tunnel has been excavated below the 4,200-meter Sela Pass, bridging the Tawang district with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh.
   • The Sela Pass frequently experiences closures due to snowfall and landslides, hindering access. The tunnel’s construction aims to provide year-round access to Tawang and bordering areas, enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Army.

5. Safety Measures:

   • Various safety protocols and technologies have been implemented within the tunnel to ensure the well-being of commuters and operational efficiency.

6. Project Timeline:

   • The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Prime Minister in February 2019.
   • Despite facing delays due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, the completion of the Sela Tunnel marks a significant achievement for India’s infrastructure development.

In addition to inaugurating the Sela Tunnel, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for around 20 development projects during the same function at Baisakhi in West Kameng district before proceeding to neighbor Assam^2..

The Sela Tunnel represents a giant leap forward in ensuring connectivity, safety, and strategic preparedness in the northeastern frontier. As it opens its gates to travelers, it symbolizes India’s unwavering commitment to progress and national security.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on official sources and news reports. 🇮🇳