Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil multiple development projects in Arunachal Pradesh including the Sela Tunnel on Saturday. Located in close proximity to the China border, this tunnel is of immense strategic importance for India's security. Facilitating year-round connectivity to the Tawang region bordering China, it is among the world’s longest bi-lane tunnels constructed at this altitude. PM Modi will dedicate the tunnel to the nation during a ceremony in the West Kameng district at Baisakhi. Additionally, he’ll lay the cornerstone for 20 other developmental projects.
Indeed, at 13,000 feet above sea level, the Sela Tunnel will provide Tawang with vital all-season connectivity. Its strategic significance is heightened due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The need for the tunnel was exacerbated by frequent closures of the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang route annually due to heavy rainfall, snowfall, and landslides. The project includes two tunnels: one 980 meters long single-tube tunnel and another 1555 meters long twin-tube tunnel. This will rank as one of the longest tunnels built over 13,000 feet.
What Makes the Sela Tunnel Special
The pivotal nature of the Sela Tunnel is underscored by the fact that its completion will shorten the distance to the China border via Tawang by 10 kilometers. Furthermore, it will reduce the travel time between the Army’s four corps headquarters in Tezpur, Assam and Tawang by nearly an hour. It is also said that the tunnel will considerably ease the 171-kilometer journey between Bomdila and Tawang, facilitating faster travel in any season. Additionally, the tunnel will enhance the Indian Army’s capabilities on the LAC by enabling rapid deployment of troops, weapons, and machinery in forward areas.
Work on the Tunnel Commenced in February 2019
It's worth noting that the foundation for the Sela Tunnel project was laid by PM Modi in February 2019, with an estimated cost of INR 697 crore. Work was delayed due to various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The project encompasses two tunnels: the first is a 980-meter long single-tube tunnel, and the second stretches 1.5 km with an escape tube for emergencies. In 1962, Chinese troops clashed with Indian forces in this region, and on October 24 of that year, Tawang was seized by the Chinese.
PM Modi to also Bestow a Major Gift to Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam for a two-day visit on Friday. On Saturday, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth INR 18,000 crore. Modi landed at Tezpur's Salonibari airport in the afternoon, where he was welcomed by Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma among others. On Saturday morning, PM Modi will visit a jungle safari. After the safari, he will head to Arunachal Pradesh and return to Jorhat, Assam in the afternoon to unveil the 125 feet high 'Statue of Valor' of the great Ahom general Lachit Barphukan. Following this, the Prime Minister will go to Meleng Metheli Pothar, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for central and state projects totaling around INR 18,000 crore.
