The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reported that the Sela Tunnel project, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, is nearly 96% complete and is expected to be inaugurated by the year’s end. Once finished, it will be the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet in altitude. The Sela Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing accessibility to this strategically crucial region. The project consists of two tunnels, with Tunnel 1 measuring 980m and Tunnel 2 being a bi-lane tunnel of 1555m, including an emergency escape tube.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Sela Tunnel Project: An infrastructure project in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to create all-weather connectivity between Guwahati and Tawang, featuring two tunnels—one single-tube and one bi-lane tunnel.
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO): A government agency responsible for road development and maintenance in border areas of India, including the construction of critical infrastructure like the Sela Tunnel.
- Trans-Arunachal Highway: A highway system connecting various regions within Arunachal Pradesh, with NH-13 being one of its components where the Sela Tunnel is being excavated.
- Sela Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass located in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, with an elevation of 4,170 meters above sea level, serving as a vital link between Tawang Valley and the rest of India.
- Project Vartak: The initiative under which the Sela Tunnel project is being constructed, contributing to improved transportation and connectivity in the region.