In the news
- The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a significant milestone in India’s border infrastructure development, particularly in the strategic Tawang sector.
About Sela Tunnel Project
| Details | |
| Location | West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh
On the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang (BCT) Road |
| Feat | World’s longest bi-lane tunnel at an altitude above 13,000 feet. |
| Connectivity | Ensures all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. |
| Highway | Excavated below the Sela Pass on the NH-13 component of the Trans-Arunachal Highway system. |
| Construction | Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak.
Construction commenced on April 1, 2019. |
| Project Details | Tunnel 1: Single-tube tunnel, 980m in length. –
Tunnel 2: Bi-lane tunnel, 1555m in length, including one escape tube for emergencies. Roads: Approach to Tunnel 1 (7100m), road between the two tunnels (1340m), approach to Tunnel 2 (340m). |
Infrastructure Details
- Strategic Location: Situated on the, the Sela Tunnel provides a crucial link between Guwahati and the strategically important Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Military Significance: The tunnel facilitates faster military movement to Tawang, home to the Indian Army’s IV Corps, ensuring swift deployment and operational readiness along the border.
- Operational Benefits: By bypassing foggy stretches at Nechiphu and snow-covered terrain at Sela Pass, the tunnel reduces travel distance by nearly 10 km and travel time by almost an hour for convoys, enhancing logistical efficiency.
- Technology and Safety: Constructed using the new Austrian tunnelling method, the Sela Tunnel incorporates state-of-the-art safety features, meeting the highest standards set by the Defence Ministry.
Geopolitical Context
- Strategic Considerations: Tawang’s geographical significance extends to its proximity to the Brahmaputra plains and its role as a vital axis to Tezpur in Assam, strengthening India’s military posture.
- Historical Significance: Tawang holds historical and cultural importance as the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama and a prominent centre of Tibetan Buddhism, adding to its strategic value.
- Security Imperatives: Given China’s territorial claims over Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh, India remains vigilant, fortifying its military presence and infrastructure to safeguard its sovereignty.
