In a momentous event today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant leap in bolstering infrastructure and connectivity in the northeastern region. Constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, the Sela Tunnel stands as the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, strategically positioned at an elevation of 13,000 feet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Utilizing the new Austrian tunnelling method, the project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang, facilitating faster transportation and reinforcing the Indian Army’s capabilities along the Sino-India border. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has played a pivotal role in executing this monumental feat, enhancing regional connectivity and security.
Key Facts About the Sela Tunnel:
1. Cost and Connectivity:
- The Sela Tunnel is constructed for Rs 825 crore, making it the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel.
- It provides all-weather connectivity to Tawang across the Sela Pass on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Elevation and Construction Method:
- Strategically situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, the tunnel holds immense importance due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Constructed using the new Austrian tunnelling method, it incorporates safety features of the highest standards.
3. Strategic Importance:
- The tunnel not only offers a faster and more efficient transport route but also holds strategic importance to the country, strengthening the Indian Army’s capabilities along the Sino-India border.
4. Dual Tunnels:
- The project comprises two tunnels – a single-tube tunnel of 980 meters and a second one 1.5 km long with an escape tube for emergencies.
- Facilitating the rapid movement of troops, weaponry, and machinery, the Sela Tunnel enhances India’s preparedness in forward regions along the border.
5. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project:
- The Sela Tunnel project is one of the most crucial initiatives for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the country.
- Execution required over 90 lakh man-hours, with an average of 650 workers daily for the past five years, utilizing 71,000 metric tonnes of cement, 5,000 metric tonnes of steel, and 800 metric tonnes of explosives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project in February 2019, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and strategic capabilities in the region. The tunnel’s inauguration is a milestone achievement, contributing significantly to the development and security of the northeastern region.
