Pics: PM Modi Unveils Sela Tunnel In Arunachal, All About Its Strategic Importance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in bolstering connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, while concurrently enhancing India's defense capabilities in the Eastern sector.

The Sela Tunnel holds immense strategic Importance owing to its design focused on facilitating seamless movement of military equipment, away from potential surveillance by neighboring China. Situated at an altitude exceeding 13,000 feet, it stands as the world's longest bi-lane tunnel.

 Sela Tunnel acts as a crucial link between Tezpur in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, an area historically significant but previously vulnerable to intrusion, notably during the 1962 War. Constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, the tunnel aims to rectify this vulnerability while ensuring year-round mobility for both defense and civilian vehicles.

The Sela Tunnel, coupled with the Nechiphu tunnel on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road, promises enhanced mobility for both military and civilian traffic. These tunnels bypass the seasonal closures of the treacherous Sela Pass due to heavy snow, facilitating continuous access to Tawang. 

Designed to accommodate large artillery pieces such as Bofors guns, tanks like the T-90, and Vajra howitzers, the Sela Tunnel streamline transportation and contributes to heightened security by shielding military movements from potential adversaries.

One of the paramount advantages of the Sela Tunnel lies in its strategic concealment, depriving neighboring powers, notably China, of the ability to monitor traffic movements. The Sela Pass, currently observable by the Chinese, serves as a vantage point for reconnaissance. However, with the tunnel's completion, India gains the upper hand in obscuring military activities, thereby augmenting deterrence against potential threats.

The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel underlines India's commitment to fortifying its defense infrastructure in the Eastern sector. By ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and enhancing security measures, the tunnel plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.