my story: The Sela Tunnel.

The Sela Tunnel.

Militarily, the Tawang Sector is of vital importance. Guwahati - Chauriduar - Tawang highway NH13 is the lifeline for the Tawang district and Army Formations along the border. Highway, NH13, used to become snowbound during winters, cutting off Tawang and forward areas from Assam.

For the economic development of Tawang District and the uninterrupted supply and movement of troops, the construction of an all-weather road that would remain open throughout the year was considered essential.

In the 2019 budget, 'Sela Project' was sanctioned for the construction of a road that would remain open throughout the year and ensure year-round connectivity between Tawang and Assam.

Under this 'Sela Project', Border Road Organisation constructed two tunnels with a connecting road. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) was used for the construction of the tunnels. Sela small tunnel (T1) is a single tube tunnel. It is 980 meters long. Sela Main Tunnel (T2) is a twin tube tunnel. It is 1555 meters long. Of the twin tubes, one is for double lane traffic and the other is an escape tunnel for emergencies and services. The two tunnels are connected by a newly constructed 1.28-kilometre-long link road. The tunnel is the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world at 13,000 feet.

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 Sela tunnel was virtually dedicated to the nation on 9 March 2024.

During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Jaswant Singh Rawat held elements of the Chinese Army off at this mountain pass with the help of two local Monpa girls named Sela and Noora. Rawat held off the enemy for 72 hours. Later, Sela was killed, and Noora captured. To honour the sacrifice of Monpa girl Sela, The Lake, the pass and the tunnel are named Sla Lake, Sela Pass and the Sela Tunnel.

Sela Tunnel has reduced the journey between Tawang and Assam by more than 10 kilometres and reduced the travel time by one hour.

Now winter blockage of Tawang is a thing of the past.

Today, Sela Tunnel is providing, even in the harshest of winters, an uninterrupted road connectivity to Tawang and forward areas of our border.

Information from open sources on the internet.