Sela Tunnel Project

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister is all set to inaugurate the long-awaited Sela Tunnel.

About Sela Tunnel

• It is the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world, at an altitude above 13,000 feet. It is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It will connect Tezpur, in Assam, with Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh. It is built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak, and the tunnel's construction commenced on April 1, 2019.
• Need:
  • Located near the Sela Pass, this all-weather tunnel was needed because the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road remains closed for a long time every year, courtesy of snowfall and landslides caused by heavy rainfall. 
  • The tunnel is significant as it will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang, bordering China. It will cut down the travel time between Tezpur and Tawang by over an hour.
  • It will also provide for faster deployment of weapons, soldiers, and equipment to forward areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Key Facts about Sela Pass

• It is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Elevation: 4,170 meters above sea level.
• Open throughout the year, Sela Pass is managed by the BRO.

Q1) What is the Border Road Organisation?

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to Indian Armed Forces. BRO develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries.

Source: Explained | The strategic importance of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh