1. Arunachal CM Pema Khandu orders the early opening of the Sela Tunnel to aid stranded tourists and citizens.
2. Severe snowstorm leaves hundreds stranded near Tawang, prompting proactive measures.
3. Sela Tunnel’s early opening aims to provide relief and ensure all-weather connectivity amidst harsh weather conditions.
Itanagar, Feb 24: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took a proactive step by ordering the early opening of the Sela Tunnel, before its scheduled inauguration, to rescue stranded tourists and citizens amidst severe weather conditions.
The region faced a significant snowstorm for two consecutive days, resulting in hundreds of individuals being stranded near Tawang, close to the Indo-China border. Additionally, the heavy snowfall raised concerns about the possibility of an avalanche.
Responding swiftly to the crisis, Chief Minister Khandu directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to open the under-construction Sela Tunnel for public use.
Also Read: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Launches Khelo India University Games Wrestling Event in Kohima
This decision was aimed at providing all-weather connectivity for travellers to and from Tawang, thereby mitigating the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and road blockages in the region.
The Sela Tunnel, which is expected to be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, holds immense significance in improving transportation accessibility and reducing travel time, particularly during harsh winters.
The tunnel’s completion is a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and ensuring the safety of travellers in the region.
During the snowstorm ordeal, senior citizen tourists from Mumbai found shelter and assistance from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the army, who facilitated their rescue through the tunnel.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the tourists expressed admiration for Arunachal’s breathtaking beauty and likened it to Switzerland.
The Sela Tunnel project, undertaken by Patel Engineering Ltd., consists of two tunnels spanning 980 meters and 1555 meters, along with 8.780 kilometers of approach roads.
Once fully operational, it is expected to significantly improve accessibility for the people of the region and enhance the army’s capacity to respond to security challenges.
The strategic importance of the Sela Tunnel cannot be overstated, as it will serve as a crucial link between the Tawang district and the Dirang Circle in the West Kameng district.
Its construction under Project Vartak by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) underscores its significance in bolstering infrastructure and ensuring regional connectivity.
The early opening of the Sela Tunnel underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of citizens and tourists during times of crisis.
As efforts continue to complete the project on schedule, its inauguration by Prime Minister Modi in March will mark a significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting economic development in the region.
