Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh nears completion
The Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, a remarkable infrastructure project, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is nearing its completion by the end of September. This project, which is set to enhance connectivity and security along India’s border with China, marks a significant milestone in the region.
Situated at an astonishing elevation above 13,000 feet, the Sela tunnel will become the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel in its category. This tunnel on completion will facilitate quick deployment of weapons and soldiers to forward areas in Tawang, an important region along the border with China.
The BRO had previously earned a Guinness World Records certificate for building a road at a staggering height of 19,024 feet in Ladakh. This achievement highlighted the organization’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of infrastructure development in challenging terrains.
Despite facing delays due to cloudbursts and landslides during the rainy season, the Sela tunnel project is now on track to be completed by the end of September. The Defense Ministry is planning to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s time to officially inaugurate the tunnel upon its completion.
The Sela tunnel, located on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh, consists of two tunnels, one measuring 980 meters and the other 1,555 meters in length. The second tunnel features a bi-lane tube for regular traffic and an escape tunnel for emergencies. Advanced Austrian tunneling techniques have been employed in its construction, taking into account the behavior of the rock and designing tunnel support accordingly.
Upon completion, the Sela tunnel is expected to reduce travel time to Tawang by at least one hour and provide all-weather connectivity to the region. For decades, the Sela pass presented logistical challenges for the army, severely affecting the movement of personnel, weapons, and supplies for several months each year. The commissioning of the Sela tunnel will significantly expedite the deployment of weapons and troops to the forward areas in the Tawang sector along the China border, according to BRO sources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone for the tunnel in February 2019, is likely to inaugurate this transformative project upon its completion. In the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and China, the completion of the Sela Tunnel is expected to draw significant attention from China and further strengthen India’s border infrastructure and security, as noted by defense experts.
