Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to dedicate the Sela Tunnel to the nation on Saturday, March 9, during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Constructed at a cost of ₹825 crore, the tunnel is a crucial development on the Tezpur to Tawang road, bordering China, providing all-weather connectivity to the region.
Situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel holds significant strategic importance due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to an official quoted by PTI. Once completed, it will be recognized as the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone for approximately 20 development projects in Arunachal Pradesh before proceeding to the neighboring state of Assam.
Executed by the Border Road Organisation (BRO), the project comprises two tunnels and a link road. The first is a single-tube tunnel spanning 980 meters, while the second is a 1,555-meter tunnel with one bi-lane tube for traffic and another for emergency services. The link road between these two tunnels will be 1,200 meters long, as reported by The Indian Express.
The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project was laid by Prime Minister Modi on February 9, 2019. Located near Sela Pass, the tunnel is a critical addition to the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road, which faces prolonged closures due to snowfall and landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the region.
Enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities at the Line of Actual Control, the Sela Tunnel ensures the rapid deployment of troops, weapons, and machinery to forward areas along the Sino-India border, according to PTI. Originally estimated at ₹697 crore, the project experienced delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel marks a significant step in fortifying India’s strategic infrastructure and improving connectivity in the challenging terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.