Sela Tunnel Inaugurated By PM Narendra Modi, the biggest bi-lane tunnel in the world, on Saturday. Constructed at a height of 13,000 feet, the strategically important tunnel is designed to guarantee constant access to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, whatever of the weather.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually dedicated the Sela Tunnel Project to the nation during the Develop India Develop North East event in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024. Built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the tunnel is located on the road from Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The project, costing Rs 825 crore, aims to provide all-weather connectivity and enhance the preparedness of the armed forces in the region. Using the Austrian tunneling method, the tunnel meets the highest safety standards
Inaugurated By P.M. Narendra Modi
PM Modi said, “You must have heard of ‘Modi Ki Guarantee,’” at the tunnel’s opening. Its significance will become clear to you when you visit Arunachal. This is seen throughout the Northeast. Here in 2019, I laid the groundwork for the Sela Tunnel, which was officially opened today.
Two highways totaling 8.6 kilometers are included in the project, which has a total investment of INR 825 crore. Remarkably, it has a large capacity; it can hold up to 2000 trucks and almost 3000 vehicles per day. The 80 km/h speed restriction is in effect. The main tunnel is 980 meters long, and the 1.5 km secondary tunnel is used as an emergency escape.
These are 5 related facts of Sela Tunnel
- Situated at 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel is set to become the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world. In order to overcome the difficulties caused by landslides and snowfall on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road, the tunnel seeks to enable all-weather communication.
- The project, which is being carried out by the Border Road Organization (BRO), consists of two tunnels and a connection road. While Tunnel 2 is a 1,555-meter-long twin-tube tunnel with one bi-lane tube for traffic and another for emergency services, Tunnel 1 is a 980-meter-long single-tube tunnel. Between these tunnels is a 1,200-meter-long connecting road.
- Prime Minister Modi were the foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project on February 9, 2019. during 90 lakh man-hours were needed to complete this massive project, and during the previous five years, an average of 650 workers and laborers have contributed every day. About 71,000 metric tonnes of cement, 5,000 metric tonnes of steel, and 800 metric tonnes of explosives were used for the construction.
- For increased safety and effectiveness, the Sela Tunnel integrates contemporary elements including SCADA-controlled monitoring, firefighting apparatus, and jet fan ventilation.
- Located 400 meters below the Sela Pass, the Sela Tunnel provides an essential route, even in the winter. They can quickly transport soldiers, equipment, and weapons along the Sino-Indian border thanks to the tunnel.
Developmental Initiatives and Future Projects:
123 Developmental Projects:
- Apart from Sela Tunnel
- Launched by Prime Minister Modi in Itanagar
- advance the progress of the region
Future Efforts:
- Foundation stone laid for 95 additional projects worth Rs 55,600 crore in six north-eastern states
- Government’s commitment to overall development in the region
Main point:
- The Sela Tunnel is an important strategic and economic asset for India.
- It will improve connectivity and transportation capacity in Tawang and surrounding areas.
- The tunnel will boost economic prosperity and defense capabilities in the region.
- This project symbolizes the commitment of the Government of India to the development of the North Eastern region.
Also Read: Mahtari Vandan Yojana 2024
The Project of Sela Tunnel
The project is the longest twin-lane tunnel in the world to be constructed above 13,000 feet in altitude. It consists of two tunnels: Tunnel 1, a single tube tunnel of 980 meters, and Tunnel 2, a twin tube tunnel measuring 1555 m. There is one escape tube for emergencies and one bi-lane tube for traffic in Tunnel 2. Additionally, it entails building a 1.3-km connection road to connect Tunnel 1 to Tunnel 2 as well as a 7 km approach road to Tunnel 1, which begins at BCT Road.
A marvel Engineering
According to a PMO statement, it is an engineering marvel that would allow access to Tawang through the Sela pass on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh in any weather conditions. The tunnel was constructed with the highest requirements for safety, utilizing the recently developed Austrian Tunnelling Method.
“The project will not only provide a faster and more efficient transport route in the region but is of strategic importance to the country,” added the statement. Because it would give people access to Tawang in all weather conditions, the tunnel will be a lifeline.
On February 9, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed the project’s foundation stone. Following the first blast, the excavation of Tunnel 1 started on January 15, 2021. With an e-ceremony from India Gate, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh carried out the breakthrough blast of the 1,555-meter Tunnel 2, marking the end of Tunnel 2 excavation on October 14, 2021.
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