
Indian PM Modi to Inaugurate World’s Longest Twin-Lane Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh
Last Updated on March 9, 2024 1:05 pm
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, named ‘Sela Tunnel,’ during his day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 am in Itanagar, where Modi will participate in the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ program and launch various developmental projects, including the UNNATI scheme with an investment of ₹10,000 crore.
Key Details about the Sela Tunnel:
Situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹825 crore. The project includes two tunnels – Tunnel 1, measuring 1,003 meters, and Tunnel 2, a 1,595-meter twin-tube tunnel. Additionally, the project features two roads spanning 8.6 km. The tunnel is designed to accommodate a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, with a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
Significance and Impact:
The Sela Tunnel is strategically important as it ensures all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China. It is expected to reduce travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, facilitating faster deployment of weapons, soldiers, and equipment to forward areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Located near Sela Pass, the tunnel addresses challenges posed by the closure of the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road for an extended period due to snowfall and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
The project, initiated with the laying of its foundation by PM Modi in February 2019, faced delays, including those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, its completion underscores India’s commitment to enhancing border infrastructure, particularly in bridging the gap with China, and is expected to boost defense preparedness and socio-economic development in the region.