Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for many projects worth around Rs.55,0000 crore in six northeastern states on Saturday at an event in Arunachal Pradesh.
At an event attended by Chief Minister Pema Khand, Governor KT Parnaik, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who represents West Arunachal in Lok Sabha, the PM laid the groundwork for many development initiatives in the state capital Itanagar.
Among the projects inaugurated is the strategically vital Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was completed by the Border Roads Organisation for Rs.825 crore. It is the longest twin-lane tunnel in the world, having been constructed above 13,000 feet in altitude.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Sela tunnel by flagging off an Arunachal Pradesh State Transport bus that passed through it.
All about the Sela Tunnel
The tunnel will facilitate the forward passage of troops, heavy machinery, and supplies to forward regions in the Tawang sector that are close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The 1,003-meter-long Tunnel 1 and the 1,595-meter-long Twin Tube Tunnel comprise the Sela project. Additionally, two 8.6-kilometer roads are part of the project. With a maximum speed of 80 mph, the tunnel is intended to handle 2,000 trucks and 3,000 automobiles every day.
The tunnel is important because it will connect Tawang, which borders China, to the rest of the world in all weather. Additionally, it will save at least an hour's worth of travel time to Tawang, enabling the quicker deployment of troops, equipment, and weaponry to forward areas close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The tunnel, which is close to Sela Pass, was necessary because snowfall and landslides brought on by intense rains forced the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road to stay blocked for a significant portion of the year.
The 'Sela Tunnel' project is intended to not only improve the country's security preparedness but also stimulate the region's socioeconomic development.
PM Modi laid the project's foundation in February 2019, however, the Covid-19 outbreak was one of the many reasons why the work was delayed. The project's completion has now drawn attention to India's push for border infrastructure intended to close the gap with China.
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