- Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, enhancing connectivity and security in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Costing Rs 825 crore, it is the world’s longest bi-lane road tunnel at an altitude of 13,000 feet.
- Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), it will facilitate troop movement and socio-economic development in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the completion of the Sela Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet.
This tunnel is a significant addition to the infrastructure of the strategically important Tawang district, providing uninterrupted connectivity regardless of weather conditions.
Costing Rs 825 crore, it stands as the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at such a high altitude.
This tunnel is not merely a feat of engineering but also a crucial strategic asset, facilitating the movement of troops and weaponry to various frontier regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Its inauguration was part of the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Northeast’ program, where the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of the Northeast region.
The Sela Tunnel holds promise for the socio-economic development of the border regions, particularly Tawang.
By providing all-weather connectivity, it will ease travel for the locals and enhance the readiness of our armed forces.
Its construction marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to bolster infrastructure in border areas.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi underscored the neglect faced by border villages in the past and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on addressing the needs of the nation rather than electoral considerations.
He assured defense personnel of his intention to visit the engineering marvel in his next term, a promise indicative of his commitment to the welfare of those serving the nation.
The tunnel’s construction, employing the new Austrian tunnelling method, showcases advancements in engineering technology.
Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, it is a testament to India’s capability to undertake challenging projects in inhospitable terrains and adverse weather conditions.
The Sela Tunnel project, initiated on 9th February 2019 with the laying of its foundation stone by Prime Minister Modi, has been completed in a commendable timeframe of five years.
Overcoming the challenges posed by rugged terrain and harsh weather, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has once again demonstrated its dedication to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in border areas.
The BRO, at the forefront of development initiatives in border regions, has completed a record 330 infrastructure projects in the last three years, amounting to a total investment of Rs 8,737 crore.
These projects not only improve connectivity but also contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the local population.
The completion of the Sela Tunnel is a milestone in India’s quest for enhancing connectivity and security in its border regions. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the Northeast and its resolve to meet the strategic imperatives of the nation.
With this tunnel in place, the residents of Tawang can look forward to improved accessibility, while our armed forces gain a critical asset for maintaining vigilance along the border.