5 Facts About ‘World’s Longest Bi-Lane Tunnel: Sela Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Sela Tunnel during his extensive trip to Arunachal Pradesh on March 9th. This tunnel, built at a price of ₹ 825 crore, serves as a crucial link between Tezpur and Tawang, situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Here Are The Facts Sela Tunnel:

1. The Sela Tunnel holds the distinction of being the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel situated at an altitude surpassing 13,000 feet. Its primary objective is to ensure uninterrupted connectivity regardless of adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and landslides along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road.

2. Executed under the supervision of the Border Road Organisation (BRO), the project comprises two tunnels and a connecting road. Tunnel 1 stretches 980 meters as a single-tube structure, while Tunnel 2 spans 1,555 meters with twin tubes, one serving traffic and the other designated for emergency services. The interconnecting road measures 1,200 meters.

3. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project on February 9, 2019. The immense endeavor demanded over 9 million man-hours of work, with an average daily workforce of 650 laborers and workers over the past five years. The construction necessitated around 71,000 metric tonnes of cement, 5,000 metric tonnes of steel, and 800 metric tonnes of explosives.

4. Equipped with contemporary amenities like jet fan ventilation, firefighting apparatus, and SCADA-controlled monitoring systems, the Sela Tunnel prioritizes safety and operational efficiency.

5. Located approximately 400 meters beneath the Sela Pass, the tunnel serves as a crucial conduit, particularly during winter months. It facilitates swift movement of troops, weaponry, and machinery along the Sino-India border, enhancing logistical capabilities in the region.