In a momentous virtual ceremony held as part of the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on March 9, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the much-awaited Sela Tunnel project to the nation.
The tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering prowess, has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet, nestled amidst the rugged terrain connecting Tezpur, Assam, to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
With a total investment of Rs 825 crore, the Sela Tunnel stands as a testament to India’s commitment to bolstering infrastructure in the Northeast region.
Its inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing all-weather connectivity to Tawang, traversing the challenging Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang Road. Beyond merely facilitating smoother travel, the tunnel is poised to fortify the preparedness of the Armed Forces and catalyze socio-economic progress in the border region.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi underscored the Government’s steadfast dedication to the holistic development of the Northeast. He hailed the Sela Tunnel as a game-changer, set to revolutionize connectivity and usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of Tawang.
Emphasizing the ongoing infrastructural advancements in the region, he affirmed the Government’s unwavering resolve to surmount developmental challenges and fulfill the aspirations of the local populace.
In a poignant moment, Prime Minister Modi lamented the historical neglect of border villages, reiterating his administration’s commitment to rectifying past oversights and prioritizing national interest over electoral considerations.
He pledged to personally visit the Sela Tunnel during his next term, underscoring his hands-on approach to governance and dedication to engaging with defense personnel on the ground.
Among the esteemed dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony were Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu and Minister of Earth Sciences Shri Kiren Rijiju, underscoring the collective commitment towards advancing the region’s prosperity.
Constructed utilizing the innovative Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporating state-of-the-art safety features, the Sela Tunnel project holds strategic importance for the nation. Its completion signifies a significant milestone in bolstering connectivity, not only expediting travel but also bolstering strategic preparedness in the region.
The foundation stone of the Sela Tunnel was laid by Prime Minister Modi on February 9, 2019, initiating construction on April 1, 2019.
Overcoming formidable challenges posed by treacherous terrain and adverse weather conditions, the BRO has demonstrated exemplary efficiency, completing the project in just five years. This achievement underscores the BRO’s unwavering commitment to advancing development in border areas, with a staggering 330 infrastructure projects completed in the last three years alone, amounting to a total investment of Rs 8,737 crore.
