Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik made an on-the-spot visit to inspect the ongoing 2-km-long tunnel works near Sela in West Kameng district, on Friday.
The Sela tunnel, announced by the Government in 2018, will be the longest twin-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet globally, and it is expected to provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time to Tawang by at least one-and-a-half hours, according to defense sources. The project consists of two tunnels, one of 1.5 km (twin tubes) and the other of 1 km in length, connected to the main BCT (Balipara-Charduar-Tawang) axis through approach roads, allowing unhindered traffic movement during winter by bypassing the existing narrow road leading to Sela Pass. The tunnel’s construction commenced on 1 April 2019 under BRO’s Project Vartak, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation on 9 February 2019.
During the visit, he praised the Border Roads Organization (BRO) for their technical excellence and efficient execution of the strategic tunnel project. On the same day, Governor Parnaik also paid tribute at the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of 1962 war hero Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat and the martyrs of the Sino-Indian war.
The Memorial is recognised for commemorating the supreme sacrifice made by brave soldiers, who laid down their lives for the territorial integrity of the motherland and continues to serve as a source of inspiration. Governor Parnaik commended the officers and Jawans of the 46 Infantry Brigade for their alertness and professionalism, while being briefed about the upkeep and new initiatives taken by the Unit responsible for the Memorial.
Once completed, the tunnel is expected to facilitate socio-economic development in the region and enhance the operational capabilities of the security forces, benefiting the people of Tawang and tourists visiting the district.
