In a landmark event during his day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's longest twin-lane tunnel, named 'Sela Tunnel.' The inauguration ceremony, part of the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit North East' program, unfolded in Itanagar. Alongside the tunnel's unveiling, PM Modi launched various developmental projects, including the UNNATI scheme, valued at Rs.10,000 crore.

Sela Tunnel Highlights:

1. The Sela Tunnel, located at an elevation of 13,000 feet, was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of  Rs. 825 crore. Comprising two tunnels, Tunnel 1 spans 1,003 meters, and Tunnel 2 is a 1,595-meter twin-tube tunnel. The project also includes two roads totaling 8.6 km. Designed for a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day, the tunnel boasts a maximum speed of 80 kmph.

2. Noteworthy for its strategic importance, the tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China. Significantly, it reduces travel time to Tawang by at least one hour, facilitating the swift deployment of weapons, soldiers, and equipment to areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

3. The Sela Tunnel, positioned near Sela Pass, addresses the challenges posed by the closure of the Balipara-Charidwar-Tawang Road due to snowfall and landslides resulting from heavy rainfall during an extended period each year.

4. Beyond enhancing defense preparedness, the 'Sela Tunnel' project is anticipated to spur socio-economic development in the region, underlining its broader impact on national security and growth.

5. Initially laid by PM Modi in February 2019, the project faced delays attributed to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic. However, its completion now underscores India's commitment to bolstering border infrastructure, particularly in areas crucial to maintaining parity with China.

The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel not only marks a significant achievement in India's infrastructure development but also signifies a strategic step towards reinforcing defense capabilities and regional connectivity. As the country looks to bridge gaps with neighboring nations, projects like these play a pivotal role in ensuring security, accessibility, and growth in challenging terrains.