Sela Tunnel, a 3,000-metre road tunnel (13000-feet) that provides an all-weather connection between Tezpur in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. This Tunnel was “dedicated to the nation” on March 9 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To enable faster military movement close to The Line of Actual Control, this is a key border-building Project that connects Guwahati to strategically important Tawang region year-round. It is the world’s longest Bi-line tunnel, constructed at the cost of Rs 825 crore by the Border Road Organization (BRO).
Why Sela?
There was a local girl named Sela who loved an Indian army officer named Jaswant Singh Rawat. This Indian soldier fought against the Chinese alone for three days during the Indo-China War in 1962. She was appointed to provide water and food to Jaswant from time to time. Her father betrayed him and he was caught by the Chinese. It is said that the girl committed suicide by jumping from the hill lock after seeing a dead body. Jaswant was Posthumously awarded The Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery. After this incident, this place was named after the name of the local Monpa girl. Therefore, the Sela Pass often known as a place where history meets love.
Why Sela Pass is Important for India?
• In 1962, India lost a fierce war against China in this region. The recent developments will make it easier to transport troops, artillery supplies, heavy weapons up there.
• This pass observable to Chinese forces from the LAC, offers a tactical disadvantage. However, this tunnel beneath the pass will help in reducing this military vulnerability.
• Moreover, this pass will promote economic growth by enhancing trade channels and connectivity resulting in regional development.
• By establishing secure transport linkage India aims to bolster Sovereignty and integrity of territoriality while simultaneously fixing long-standing infrastructure deficits.
• It is very important from an operational standpoint to be able to avoid the dangerous Sela, which is blanketed in a thick layer of snow during the winter.
• It is strategically important as it will help civilians to travel smoothly through tunnel 1 while keeping the emergency Tunnel 2. This bi-lane tunnel is opened only for military purposes. Therefore, it will not bother civilian traffic as well as military movement.
How Does China See the Construction of the Sela Tunnel?
China is a country that has always bothered its neighboring countries like Taiwan and India. When we talk about India, the Sela Tunnel construction may be viewed through the prison of the regional geopolitical process. China has frequently raised worries over India’s infrastructure in border areas perceiving it as a possible strategic risk. The inauguration of the Sela tunnel which improves India’s military supply capabilities and strengthens its presence along the disputed border. This may worsen tensions even more. However, China’s official attitude toward such infrastructures subject remains reserved, with emphases being placed on the importance of a peaceful border dispute resolution.
Cost and Features
The tunnel is constructed under the Viksit Baharat Viksit Northeast program of PM Modi. Thus, it helps the Northeast to connect and help in growing the national center economy. It is the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at an altitude above 13000 feet costing around Rs 825 crore consisting of two tunnels. One with a length of 1595m and the other of 1003m. Furthermore, there is an approach and link road of 8.6km. The tunnel is equipped with modern amenities and safety features including large ventilation systems, Robust lighting, and a firefighting mechanism that can accommodate daily passage for 3000 cars and 2000 trucks.
The tunnel consists of a single tube of length 1003m.
This project will reduce traffic hours between Tezpur Assam to Tawang Arunachal Pradesh by an hour.
