Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel project during the Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024.
Prime Minister Virtually Dedicates To The Nation Sela Tunnel
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel project during the Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024. The tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the road connecting Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Built at a total cost of Rs 825 crore, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang Road, boosting the preparedness of the Armed Forces and augmenting the socio-economic development of the border region. The Sela Tunnel has been constructed using the new Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporates safety features of the highest standards. The project will not only provide a faster and more efficient transport route in the region but is of strategic importance to the country.
5 Facts About The Sela Tunnel
The Sela Tunnel will be the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at an elevation exceeding 13,000 feet. The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity, overcoming challenges posed by snowfall and landslides on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road.
Executed by the BRO the project features two tunnels and a link road. Tunnel 1 is a 980-metre-long single-tube tunnel, while Tunnel 2 is a 1,555-metre-long twin-tube tunnel, with one bi-lane tube for traffic and the other for emergency services. The link road between these tunnels spans 1,200 metres.
The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project was laid by Prime Minister Modi on February 9, 2019. The execution of this extensive project required over 90 lakh man-hours, with an average of 650 workers and labourers contributing daily for the past five years.
The construction required approximately 71,000 metric tonnes of cement, 5,000 metric tonnes of steel, and 800 metric tonnes of explosives.
Situated 400 metres below the Sela Pass, the Sela Tunnel offers a vital passage, even during the winter season. The tunnel helps them move troops, weapons, and machinery quickly along the Sino-India border.
The Sela Tunnel incorporates modern features like jet fan ventilation, firefighting equipment, and SCADA-controlled monitoring for enhanced safety and efficiency.
