Ahead of its official opening, the strategically vital Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh is poised to undergo a third-party safety audit. This audit, mandated by the Border Roads Organisation or BRO, will precede the scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Set against the backdrop of Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged terrain, the Sela Tunnel Project holds significant importance in ensuring all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a key region near the Line of Actual Control-LAC with China.
BRO East Additional Director General PKH Singh disclosed construction progress on the tunnel, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, is nearing completion. While previous physical and environmental audits yielded positive results, recent incidents elsewhere prompted the BRO to commission an additional safety review.
Originally slated for completion in 2021, the project encountered delays, partly due to the Covid pandemic. Comprising two tunnels, spanning 980 meters and 1.5 kilometres respectively, the Sela Tunnel Project adopts state-of-the-art construction methods, including the New Austrian Tunneling Method.
Once operational, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Bomdilla and Tawang, facilitating year-round access to Tawang, a region of cultural significance and military importance.
Providing seamless connectivity to Tawang is paramount for military operations, given its proximity to the LAC and its strategic location vis-à-vis Tezpur, headquarters of the Indian Army’s 4 Corps.
As the audit progresses and preparations for the inauguration continue, the completion of the Sela Tunnel Project represents a milestone in bolstering connectivity and enhancing strategic readiness in the region.
