Itanagar: The much awaited Sela Tunnel connecting Tawang to Bumla has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. He virtually dedicated the Sela Tunnel project to the nation during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel stands as an engineering marvel on the road connecting Tezpur, Assam, to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Built at a total cost of Rs 825 crore, the Sela Tunnel is poised to provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang Road. This transformative infrastructure project is expected to enhance the preparedness of the Armed Forces and foster socio-economic development in the strategically vital border region.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Northeast region. He highlighted the Sela Tunnel’s role in improving all-weather connectivity and easing travel for the people of Tawang. Emphasizing ongoing tunnel projects in the region, he underlined the transformative impact of these initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the historical neglect of border village development and pledged to work in the best interests of the nation, irrespective of electoral considerations. He promised to visit the Sela Tunnel and meet defence personnel during his next term.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu and Minister of Earth Sciences Shri Kiren Rijiju, marked the successful completion of the Sela Tunnel project. Constructed using the advanced Austrian Tunnelling Method, the tunnel incorporates top-tier safety features and holds strategic importance for the country.
The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel was laid by Prime Minister Modi on February 09, 2019, with construction commencing on April 01, 2019. Overcoming challenges posed by difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, the BRO completed the tunnel in just five years, underscoring its commitment to the development of border areas. In the last three years, the BRO has accomplished a record 330 infrastructure projects, amounting to Rs 8,737 crore in investment.