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The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is on track to complete the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh by the end of September. This tunnel, located at an altitude of over 13,000 feet, is poised to become the world's longest twin-lane tunnel above this altitude. It's expected to greatly enhance the deployment of troops and weapons in the strategically significant region of Tawang, as India focuses on bolstering its infrastructure along the China border.
The foundation stone for the Sela tunnel, with a budget of 2700 crores, was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in February 2019. Simultaneously, another key project, the Nechiphu tunnel in the north-eastern state, is scheduled for inauguration soon. This 500-meter tunnel, situated at an altitude of 5,700 feet, forms part of the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road in West Kameng.
Although progress on the Sela tunnel project faced delays due to cloudbursts and landslides during the rainy season, it is now nearing completion and is expected to be operational in just four weeks. This tunnel carries immense significance as it will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang. The region's winter connectivity, which passes through the 14,000 feet high Sela Pass, has posed logistical challenges for the military for decades, leading to significant disruptions in the movement of personnel, weaponry, and supplies for several months each year.
The Sela tunnel project comprises two tunnels - Tunnel 1, measuring 980 meters in length, and Tunnel 2, a twin-tube tunnel spanning 1,555 meters. These tunnels have been constructed through two ridges to the west of Sela. Additionally, the project includes the development of two roads, spanning 7 kilometers and 1.3 kilometers, respectively. Tunnel 2 features a bi-lane tube for traffic and an escape tube for emergencies, a requirement for tunnels longer than 1,500 meters.
Over 50 engineers and 500 BRO workers have been actively involved in the construction of the Sela tunnel. The project utilizes advanced Austrian tunneling techniques, which involve a comprehensive understanding of the rock structure and designing tunnel support systems according to the behavior of the rock.
In tandem with the Sela tunnel, the Nechiphu tunnel is set to be remotely inaugurated by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on September 12th. This ceremony coincides with the inauguration of the BRO's Devak bridge near Jammu and the dedication of approximately 90 other infrastructure projects across the nation, including roads, tunnels, bridges, and airfields.
Moreover, on the same day, Minister Singh will lay the foundation stone for the Indian Air Force's Nyoma fighter base in eastern Ladakh. Notably, this base will undergo substantial upgrades, transforming it from an advanced landing ground near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) into a full-fledged base for fighter operations. This move aligns with India's intensified efforts to develop infrastructure along its remote frontiers, thereby enhancing its capacity for military operations and countering Chinese infrastructure construction along the disputed border. India and China have been locked in a standoff along this border for over three years.
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