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Sela Tunnel: India’s highest and longest bi-lane mountain tunnel
Sela Tunnel
The Sela Tunnel is a strategic infrastructure project that has been recently inaugrated (9th March 2024) in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This ambitious Tunnel project aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, offering both strategic advantage and socio-economic benefits for India.
What is the Sela Tunnel?
The Sela Tunnel is a road tunnel project situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is India’s highest mountain tunnel road and the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at this altitude. The tunnel is constructed below the 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) high Sela Pass on National Highway 13, which connects Dirang to Tawang.
Sela Tunnel Fact Table
| Sela Tunnel | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Sela Pass, Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India |
| Altitude | Above 13,000 feet |
| Total Cost | ₹825 crore |
| Length | 12.04 km (total project length including tunnels, approach roads, and link roads) |
| Tunnel 1 Length | 980 meters (single-tube) |
| Tunnel 2 Length | 1,555 meters (twin-tube; one bi-lane tube for traffic and one for emergency services) |
| Link Road Length | 1,200 meters |
| Construction Start Date | Foundation stone laid on February 9, 2019 |
| Inauguration Date | March 2024 |
| Operator | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) |
| Construction Material | Approximately 71,000 metric tonnes of cement, 5,000 metric tonnes of steel, and 800 metric tonnes of explosives |
| Man-hours | Over 90 lakh man-hours |
| Features | Jet fan ventilation, firefighting equipment, SCADA-controlled monitoring |
| Strategic Significance | Enhances all-weather connectivity to Tawang, facilitates rapid military deployments, and provides a strategic advantage over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China |
| Additional Benefits | Expected to attract more tourists to Tawang, contributing to socio-economic advancement |
How was the Sela Tunnel constructed?
The construction of the Sela Tunnel employed the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a modern technique that allows for efficient tunneling in challenging geological conditions.
The project involved two main phases: the excavation phase, which utilized the drill and blast technique, and the lining phase, where the tunnel walls were reinforced with concrete.
The first blast for the tunnel took place on October 31, 2019, marking the beginning of the excavation process. Despite challenges during COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions, the project was completed in just five years.
Why is the Sela Tunnel strategically important?
The Sela Tunnel holds immense strategic importance for India due to its location near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang and other forward areas, enabling the quick mobilization of troops, weapons, and logistics in case of emergencies.
By reducing the travel time between Tezpur and Tawang by an hour, the tunnel will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and response capabilities in the region. Also, the tunnel’s location below the snow line ensures that it remains accessible throughout the year, overcoming the challenges posed by heavy snowfall and landslides that often block the existing road over the Sela Pass.
What are the benefits of the Sela Tunnel to the civilian population?
The all-weather connectivity provided by the tunnel will greatly improve the safety and accessibility of the region, particularly during the harsh winter months.
The enhanced connectivity is expected to boost economic and socio-economic development in the area by facilitating trade, tourism, and access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The tunnel will also serve as a lifeline during natural calamities, enabling faster evacuation and relief efforts.
What other infrastructure projects complement the Sela Tunnel?
The Sela Tunnel is part of a larger infrastructure push in the region, with several other tunnels and roads being constructed to strengthen India’s border infrastructure. The Nechiphu tunnel, located on the same Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road, is another key project that aims to provide all-weather connectivity. Additionally, the Arunachal Frontier Highway, a 2,000 km long road project along the McMahon Line, is being developed to enhance connectivity and border security in the state.
Final Thoughts
The Sela Tunnel was dedicated to the nation on March 09, 2024, during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Built at a total cost of Rs 825 crore by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the tunnel will not only provide a strategic advantage to the Indian military but also bring about transformative changes in the lives of the local population.
