During his one-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Sela Tunnel,’ recognized as the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel. The inauguration ceremony, a part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ program, unfolded in Itanagar. PM Modi also unveiled numerous developmental projects, including the ₹10,000 crore UNNATI scheme.
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹825 crore, the Sela Tunnel is perched at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Comprising two tunnels, Tunnel 1 spans 1,003 meters, while Tunnel 2 is a 1,595-meter twin-tube tunnel. Additionally, the project encompasses two roads covering a distance of 8.6 km. Engineered for a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks daily, the tunnel boasts a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
The strategic significance of the Sela Tunnel lies in providing year-round connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China. It is anticipated to reduce the travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, facilitating swifter deployment of weaponry, troops, and equipment in areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Strategically located near Sela Pass, the tunnel addresses the challenges posed by the closure of the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road due to prolonged snowfall and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
The ‘Sela Tunnel’ project is not only a boost to the nation’s defense readiness but also a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. Initiated with the laying of the foundation stone by PM Modi in February 2019, the project faced delays, including those induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The completion of the Sela Tunnel project underscores India’s commitment to fortifying its border infrastructure, aiming to bridge the gap with China and enhance regional connectivity and security. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s strategic capabilities in the sensitive border region.
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