Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to embark on a one-day trip to Arunachal Pradesh this Saturday, will inaugurate the world’s longest twin-tube tunnel, the ‘Sela Tunnel.’

The inauguration ceremony in Itanagar is expected to take place around 10:30 AM as Prime Minister Modi participates in the ‘Vikasit Bharat, Vikasit Uttar Purv’ program. During his visit, PM Modi will launch several developmental projects, including an advancement plan worth 10,000 crore rupees for the state.

All you need to know about the Sela Tunnel:

The SeLa Tunnel is located at an elevation of 13,000 feet and was constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at a cost of ₹825 crore. The project includes two tunnels – Tunnel 1, which is 1,003 meters long, and Tunnel 2, a twin-tube tunnel spanning 1,595 meters. Additionally, the project incorporates 8.6 kilometers of roads. The tunnel is designed for a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h.

This tunnel is significant as it provides year-round connectivity to Tawang, located near the China border. It reduces travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, facilitating swift deployment of weapons, troops, and equipment in advance areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The need for the tunnel near Sela Pass arose due to heavy snowfall and landslides, causing the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road to remain closed for an extended period each year.

It is said that the ‘Sela Tunnel’ project will not only enhance the country’s defense preparedness but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

The foundation for this project was laid by Prime Minister Modi in February 2019; however, due to various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, there were delays in its progress. Now, there is a renewed focus on completing the project to strengthen India’s border infrastructure with the aim of addressing challenges with China.