Breakthrough in border connectivity with China nears with Sela Tunnel in Arunachal almost complete

Close on the heels of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry reviewed the progress work at the Sela Tunnel, one of the most vital and strategic projects in the region. 

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief inspected important tunnel projects in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday and also visited the Sela Tunnel Project being built with a total cost of Rs 687.12 crore.

The lining and electric and mechanical work of the tunnel is proceeding in full swing and once constructed fully, Sela tunnel will be the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world at an altitude above 13,000 feet.

Located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang on the China border.

The foundation stone of the Sela Tunnel Project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. On January 15, 2021, after the first blast was conducted by the DGBR, excavation work on Tunnel 1 commenced. Thereafter, on October 14 2021, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh carried out the breakthrough blast of the 1,555-meter Tunnel 2, through an e-ceremony from India Gate, marking the end of excavation on Tunnel 2.

On the same road, the BRO has also completed the excavation of a 500m long Nechiphu tunnel cutting through the foggiest stretches. This project, with a total cost of Rs 88.78 crore, is also on the verge of completion.

The DGBR was briefed by Chief Engineer Project Vartak on construction activities and challenges being faced during the construction of the Sela and other tunnels.

Addressing the personnel of BRO, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry appreciated their hard work and contribution toward the fast-track construction of vital infrastructure in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh to enhance defence preparedness and boosting the socio-economic development of the region.

The BRO continues to set unprecedented standards of the pace of tunnel construction in the Himalayas. While it has completed four tunnels in the past, work is currently in progress on eight tunnels, with 12 more under planning.

Also Read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assesses army’s preparedness along the Chinese border in Arunachal