PM Modi Launches World’s Longest Twin-Lane ‘Sela Tunnel’ in Arunachal Pradesh: Here’s What You Should Know

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a day-long trip to Arunachal Pradesh this Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructural development with the inauguration of the crucial “Sela Tunnel.” Amidst a flurry of developmental initiatives totaling ₹55,000 crore for the northeastern states, PM Modi expressed his privilege in contributing to the progress of the entire Northeastern region during the celebratory occasion.

Here are five key points about the Sela Tunnel:

1. Construction and Features: Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹825 crore, the Sela Tunnel project encompasses two tunnels—Tunnel 1 spanning 1,003 meters and Tunnel 2, a 1,595-meter twin-tube tunnel. Additionally, the initiative involves the establishment of two roads covering a distance of 8.6 kilometers. Designed to accommodate a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, the tunnel boasts a maximum speed limit of 80 kmph.
2. Strategic Importance: The Sela Tunnel holds immense strategic significance as it ensures all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a key region situated along the border with China. By significantly reducing travel time to Tawang by at least an hour, the tunnel facilitates the swift deployment of weapons, soldiers, and equipment to areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
3. Addressing Challenges: Strategically located near Sela Pass, the tunnel addresses the perennial challenges posed by the closure of the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road due to snowfall and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for the region.
4. Enhanced Transportation Routes: Once operational, the Sela Tunnel will provide year-round transportation routes for the residents of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, it will cater to the needs of tourists exploring the district and facilitate the movement of armed forces, thereby bolstering regional connectivity and security.
5. Project Timeline: The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project was laid by PM Modi in February 2019, with an initial cost estimation of Rs 697 crore. However, the project encountered delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setbacks, the completion of the tunnel underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development in the Northeastern region.

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