Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the strategically significant Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh in the coming weeks. The tunnel, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region prone to frequent disruptions due to snowfall and landslides.
This development comes after a thorough third-party safety audit, as mandated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), ensuring the tunnel’s readiness for public use.
PM Modi To Inaugurate Sela Tunnel After Third-Party Audit
Following the Silkyara tunnel incident in Uttarakhand, the BRO ordered a comprehensive third-party safety audit of the Sela Tunnel due to its strategic significance near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The audit, expected to be completed by mid-February, aims to address any potential safety concerns before the tunnel’s inauguration by PM Modi.
Additionally, the BRO is actively constructing approach roads to the tunnel, totaling 7.1 km for tunnel 1, 340 meters for tunnel 2, and 1.3 km of roads connecting the two tunnels.
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Challenges and Innovations in Sela Tunnel Construction
The construction of the Sela Tunnel faced difficulties, including delays caused by a significant cloudburst in July last year, impacting the installation of approach roads and the overall project timeline.
Despite these challenges, the tunnel has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), ensuring structural integrity and durability. The final breakthrough in Tunnel 1 was achieved on January 22, marking a significant milestone in the project’s completion.
Future Plans and Infrastructure Enhancements After Sela Tunnel Inauguration
In addition to the Sela Tunnel, the BRO is undertaking various infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and mobility in Arunachal Pradesh. Plans include the construction of a departmental tunnel on the Sela-Chhabrela-Banga Janga Gompa axis to facilitate the transportation of personnel and equipment.
Moreover, there is a proposal for a groundbreaking underwater tunnel under the Brahmaputra River from Tezpur, although the project is still under consideration by the Union government.
