BRO nears completion of Sela Tunnel
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

BRO nears completion of Sela Tunnel

According to reports, the Sela tunnel project, initially scheduled for completion a year ago, faced delays due to extended winter seasons that hampered construction progress, particularly concerning concrete work inside the tunnel. Additionally, cloudbursts and landslides during the rainy season damaged one of the approach roads, further contributing to the delay. Nevertheless, the project is now on the cusp of completion and should be ready within four weeks.

Sela Tunnel Project Details

The Sela Tunnel project comprises two tunnels, Tunnel 1 (980 meters long) and Tunnel 2 (1,555 meters long), along with two roads spanning 7 kilometres and 1.3 kilometres, respectively. Tunnel 2 features an escape tube for emergencies and one bi-lane tube for traffic. The inclusion of escape passages is mandated for tunnels exceeding 1,500 meters in length. The project employs the Austrian tunnelling technique, with over 50 engineers and 500 BRO workers assessing rock behaviour to design the tunnel appropriately.

Project Completion Target: September 2025

The BRO aims to complete this Rs 2.14 billion project by September 2025, marking a crucial component of India's border infrastructure expansion. The organisation's efforts have resulted in the acceleration of construction work in recent years. In 2021, 102 projects are slated for dedication, with an additional 150 projects expected to conclude by year-end. Notably, the BRO has substantially increased its road construction pace, completing 934 kilometres annually from 2020 to 2023, compared to 809 kilometres per year in the 2015-20 period and a significantly lower 632 kilometres per year from 2008 to 2015.

Key BRO Projects

BRO's current initiatives encompass vital roads in the Ladakh region, including the Chushul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok road, Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, and the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road, bolstering India's border connectivity and strategic capabilities.

According to reports, the Sela tunnel project, initially scheduled for completion a year ago, faced delays due to extended winter seasons that hampered construction progress, particularly concerning concrete work inside the tunnel. Additionally, cloudbursts and landslides during the rainy season damaged one of the approach roads, further contributing to the delay. Nevertheless, the project is now on the cusp of completion and should be ready within four weeks.Sela Tunnel Project DetailsThe Sela Tunnel project comprises two tunnels, Tunnel 1 (980 meters long) and Tunnel 2 (1,555 meters long), along with two roads spanning 7 kilometres and 1.3 kilometres, respectively. Tunnel 2 features an escape tube for emergencies and one bi-lane tube for traffic. The inclusion of escape passages is mandated for tunnels exceeding 1,500 meters in length. The project employs the Austrian tunnelling technique, with over 50 engineers and 500 BRO workers assessing rock behaviour to design the tunnel appropriately.Project Completion Target: September 2025The BRO aims to complete this Rs 2.14 billion project by September 2025, marking a crucial component of India's border infrastructure expansion. The organisation's efforts have resulted in the acceleration of construction work in recent years. In 2021, 102 projects are slated for dedication, with an additional 150 projects expected to conclude by year-end. Notably, the BRO has substantially increased its road construction pace, completing 934 kilometres annually from 2020 to 2023, compared to 809 kilometres per year in the 2015-20 period and a significantly lower 632 kilometres per year from 2008 to 2015.Key BRO ProjectsBRO's current initiatives encompass vital roads in the Ladakh region, including the Chushul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok road, Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, and the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road, bolstering India's border connectivity and strategic capabilities.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?