SELA
TUNNEL – GEOGRAPHY
News:
An all-weather link to
Tawang, how the new Sela Tunnel boosts readiness at China border
What's
in the news?
●
The Sela Tunnel, which was “dedicated to
the nation” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a key border infrastructure
project as it connects Guwahati to the strategic Tawang sector round-the-year,
thus aiding faster military movement to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Sela
Tunnel:
●
The foundation stone of the tunnel was
laid by the Prime Minister on February 09, 2019, and the construction commenced
on April 01, 2019.
●
The tunnel has been completed in just five
years overcoming challenges of difficult terrain and adverse weather
conditions.
●
The tunnel has been constructed at a total
cost of Rs 825 crore.
Connectivity:
●
The tunnel has been constructed at an
altitude of 13,000 feet on the road connecting
Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Technology
Used:
●
The Sela Tunnel has been constructed using
the new Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporates safety features of the
highest standards.
Benefits:
●
It will provide a faster and more
efficient transport route, which is strategically important too for India.
●
All-Weather
Connectivity: The tunnel will provide all-weather
connectivity to Tawang across Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang
Road (i.e., the Northeast region).
●
Preparedness:
Boosting the preparedness of the Armed Forces.
●
Socio-Economic
Development: Augmenting the socio-economic development
of the border region.