Sela Tunnels: Gateway To Strategic Connectivity - PM Modi Inaugurates Today

The world's longest twin-lane tunnel, 'Sela Tunnel', is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. The inauguration ceremony is planned to take place around 10:30 am in Itanagar as part of the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit North East' program.

Additionally, several other developmental projects in the state, including the UNNATI scheme valued at ₹10,000 crore, will also be launched by PM Modi.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Sela Tunnel - All you need to know

Situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹825 crore. The project encompasses two tunnels, with Tunnel 1 spanning 1,003 meters in length, and Tunnel 2 comprising a twin-tube structure spanning 1,595 meters. Additionally, the project includes the construction of two roads covering a total distance of 8.6 km. Engineered to accommodate a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, the tunnel has been designed for a maximum speed of 80 kmph, as reported Hindustan Times.

This tunnel holds significant importance as it will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang, which shares its border with China. By reducing the travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, it will facilitate the swift deployment of weapons, soldiers, and equipment to forward areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Located near Sela Pass, the construction of the tunnel was necessitated due to the closure of the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road for prolonged periods throughout the year, primarily caused by snowfall and landslides resulting from heavy rainfall, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Termed as the 'Sela Tunnel' project, it is anticipated to not only bolster the nation's defence preparedness but also catalyze socio-economic development in the region. Although the foundation of the project was laid by PM Modi in February 2019, its progress was hindered due to various factors, including the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the completion of the project underscores India's commitment to enhancing its border infrastructure, particularly in bridging the gap with China.