Sela Tunnel
During his day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone by inaugurating the Sela Tunnel, hailed as the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel. The inauguration ceremony was held in Itanagar as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ program. Alongside the tunnel inauguration, PM Modi also launched various developmental projects in the state, including the UNNATI scheme, which boasts an investment of ₹10,000 crore.
The Sela Tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which undertook its construction at a cost of ₹825 crore. Comprising two tunnels, Tunnel 1 spans 1,003 meters, while Tunnel 2 consists of a 1,595-meter twin-tube structure. Additionally, the project includes the construction of two roads totaling 8.6 km. Designed to accommodate a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, the tunnel imposes a maximum speed limit of 80 kmph.
This tunnel holds immense strategic importance, offering all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China. By significantly reducing travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, it facilitates expedited deployment of military personnel, weaponry, and equipment to areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This is particularly crucial as the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road frequently faces closures due to heavy snowfall and landslides caused by rainfall, obstructing access to the region.
The completion of the Sela Tunnel is expected to yield multifaceted benefits. Not only does it bolster India’s defense preparedness by ensuring seamless access to remote border areas, but it also serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. By enhancing connectivity, the tunnel is poised to stimulate economic growth, promote tourism, and facilitate trade, thereby uplifting the lives of local communities.
Despite encountering delays, including those attributed to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel underscores India’s steadfast commitment to fortifying its border infrastructure. This development not only strengthens India’s strategic position but also sends a clear message about its resolve to bridge the infrastructure gap with China in the region.
Know more –Â https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sela_Tunnel
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Neeraj Tiwari 
Ashish Bajpai