1. PM Modi to inaugurate ‘Sela Tunnel,’ the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Scheduled for Saturday, the event marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity and development.
3. The inauguration heralds a new era for the region, promising transformative impacts on infrastructure and connectivity.
Itanagar, March 09: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant journey to Arunachal Pradesh, where he will inaugurate the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, the ‘Sela Tunnel.’
Scheduled for Saturday, the inauguration ceremony will be a landmark event, signifying a new era of connectivity and development for the region.
Here’s a detailed look at this monumental project and its implications:
Inauguration Details: The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel will take place at around 10:30 am in Itanagar, as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ program. Alongside the tunnel’s inauguration, PM Modi will launch various other developmental projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including the UNNATI scheme, with an estimated worth of ₹10,000 crore.
Key Features of the Sela Tunnel:
- Location and Elevation: Situated at an impressive elevation of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel stands as a marvel of engineering in the challenging terrains of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Construction: Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Sela Tunnel project comes with a price tag of ₹825 crore. It comprises two tunnels, with Tunnel 1 stretching 1,003 meters and Tunnel 2 being a 1,595-meter twin-tube tunnel. Additionally, the project includes two roads measuring 8.6 km.
- Capacity and Speed: Designed to accommodate a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, the tunnel boasts a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
Significance of the Sela Tunnel:
- All-Weather Connectivity: The Sela Tunnel marks a significant milestone in providing all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China. This connectivity enhancement will mitigate the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted access to the strategic border areas.
- Reduced Travel Time: With the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel, the travel time to Tawang is expected to decrease significantly, potentially shaving off at least one hour from the journey. This time-saving aspect is crucial for expedited deployment of essential resources, including weapons, soldiers, and equipment, to the forward areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Socio-Economic Development: Beyond its strategic significance, the Sela Tunnel is poised to catalyze the socio-economic development of the region. By facilitating smoother transportation and connectivity, the tunnel will unlock new avenues for trade, tourism, and overall growth in the region.
Also Read: PM Modi Explores Kaziranga’s Wildlife on Early Morning Safari
Project Timeline and Challenges: The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project was laid by PM Modi in February 2019.
However, the project faced several delays, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the completion of the project underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its border infrastructure, particularly in regions bordering China.
In essence, the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel represents a monumental step towards enhancing connectivity, security, and development in the northeastern frontier.
As PM Modi unveils this engineering marvel, it signals a new dawn for Arunachal Pradesh and reaffirms India’s resolve to fortify its borders while fostering regional progress and prosperity.
