ITANAGAR: In a significant stride towards bolstering connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday (March 09).
The Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, a pivotal component of the region’s transportation network, marks a monumental achievement in enhancing accessibility and facilitating socio-economic growth.
Sela tunnel has been constructed on the road connecting Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel is a marvel of engineering, overcoming formidable challenges posed by the region’s rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.
With a total cost amounting to Rs 825 crore, the Sela Tunnel is a crucial component of the infrastructure development efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the transformative impact of infrastructure development in the Northeast, citing substantial progress made in the past decade.
He emphasized that while only around 10,000 km of National Highway was constructed in the region from Independence until 2014, over 6000 km of National Highway has been added in the last ten years alone.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted, “I completed the work of seven decades in just one.”
He emphasized that for his administration, border villages are not the “last village” but the “first village”.
Reflecting on the significance of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled laying its foundation in 2019 and expressed pride in witnessing its completion.
The tunnel, situated at a strategic location, is poised to facilitate smoother connectivity and foster economic development in the Northeast.
Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the growing importance of the Northeast as a vital link for trade and tourism with South Asia and East Asia.
He lauded the region’s potential as a gateway to these markets and reiterated the government’s commitment to maximizing its socio-economic prospects.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading various development projects in the Northeast.
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He expressed appreciation on behalf of the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh for the Prime Minister’s visit to Itanagar and the inauguration of key infrastructure initiatives.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), entrusted with the task of constructing Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in completing the project within stipulated timelines despite numerous challenges.
The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel holds immense significance for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those residing in the Tawang region.
It promises to transform the lives of the locals by facilitating easier access to essential services, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Moreover, the tunnel’s strategic location along the Tezpur-Tawang route will bolster national security by ensuring smoother movement of troops and supplies to the border areas.