Today, as India approaches the Fourth anniversary of the border conflict with China in Ladakh. Prime Minister Modi, is all set to inaugurate the much anticipated “Sela Tunnel” in his day long visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
All About Arunachal’s Sela Tunnel-
The Tunnel is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of 13,800 feet. It is built at a total cost of around Rs 825 crore and executed by Border Road Organisation (BRO). It has been built using the new Austrian tunneling method and contains top line safety features.
The project consists of two tunnels: Tunnel 1 is a 1003-meter long and Tunnel 2 is 1595 meters long twin tube tunnel. Tunnel 2 has one bi-lane for normal traffic and another lane for emergency purposes. The link lane between the two tunnels is 1200 meters long. Additionally, two 8.6-kilometer roads are part of the project. The tunnel can handle traffic density of 2000 trucks and 3000 automobiles, with a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
Its Strategic Significance-
The Sela tunnel is of strategic significance for first of all it is situated in the Tawang region which China has long claimed. Secondly, Sela Tunnel will not just improve connectivity but will also enhance logistical prowess for military. According to Retired Lieutenant General Harpal Singh, it will greatly enhance army’s logistical movement in that area.
Then Sela tunnel will also resolve the winter connectivity issue of Tawang area across the Sela Pass. Earlier the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road used to be closed during winters due to heavy snowfall and landslide. Sela tunnel will resolve this and will enable faster deployment of army, military equipments near LAC area.
Moreover, it provides all-weather long connectivity and cuts travel time by at least an hour, enabling quicker responses to security challenges. Then it also promotes socio-economic development by providing easier access to shops, medical facilities, and educational institutions.
Overall, Sela tunnel will be a game changer not just for the civilians but also for the country.
It will facilitate faster deployment of army by providing easier accessibility to areas where India had lost to China in 1962 war. Moreover, it will help prevent Chinese incursions in that area. Thus, boosting our defense preparedness.