Sela tunnel construction to be completed by end of this year
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Sela tunnel construction to be completed by end of this year

The Sela tunnel construction project in Arunachal Pradesh to allow faster deployment of weapons and army to forward areas in the Tawang sector has been delayed due to a prolonged winter that slowed down construction activity and will now be complete by the end of this year.

This project worth Rs 700 crore was expected to be completed by June 2022.

According to an official, the project has been slightly delayed due to an extended winter season. The area witnessed heavy snow till April, and the project should be over by October-November this year.

The government announced the Sela tunnel project in 2018. It will be the longest twin-lane tunnel in the world above 13,000 feet and will cut down travel time to Tawang by at least one hour and provide all-weather connectivity. In 2019, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the project.

The project includes Tunnel 1 of 980 m and Tunnel 2 of 1,555 m twin-tube tunnel. These tunnels are coming up through two ridges west of Sela. It also consists of two roads of 7 km and 1.3 km.

Tunnel 2 has one bi-lane tube to release traffic and one escape tube for emergencies. Only tunnels longer than 1,500 m must have an escape passage alongside.

Winter connectivity to the Tawang region over the 14,000 ft pass, Sela, posed a logistics challenge for the army, including the movement of troops, weapons and stores, which was severely affected for three to four months.

Military affairs expert Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan (retd) said that after completing the tunnel, the road would remain open year-round. It will allow faster movement of military deployment for the reserves, and the population will no longer get cut off from the mainland.

Over 50 engineers and 500 workers helped in constructing the tunnel using the latest Austrian tunnelling techniques, including observing and studying the rock and designing tunnel support as per the rock behaviour.

Around 4,000 army and civilian vehicles will use the tunnel daily. The tunnel dimensions will support the movement of all types of army vehicles and military hardware, including the Bofors guns that currently have to be moved to forward areas by Scania trucks.

Image Source

Also read: Sela tunnel project enters decisive phase: Defense Ministry

The Sela tunnel construction project in Arunachal Pradesh to allow faster deployment of weapons and army to forward areas in the Tawang sector has been delayed due to a prolonged winter that slowed down construction activity and will now be complete by the end of this year. This project worth Rs 700 crore was expected to be completed by June 2022. According to an official, the project has been slightly delayed due to an extended winter season. The area witnessed heavy snow till April, and the project should be over by October-November this year. The government announced the Sela tunnel project in 2018. It will be the longest twin-lane tunnel in the world above 13,000 feet and will cut down travel time to Tawang by at least one hour and provide all-weather connectivity. In 2019, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the project. The project includes Tunnel 1 of 980 m and Tunnel 2 of 1,555 m twin-tube tunnel. These tunnels are coming up through two ridges west of Sela. It also consists of two roads of 7 km and 1.3 km. Tunnel 2 has one bi-lane tube to release traffic and one escape tube for emergencies. Only tunnels longer than 1,500 m must have an escape passage alongside. Winter connectivity to the Tawang region over the 14,000 ft pass, Sela, posed a logistics challenge for the army, including the movement of troops, weapons and stores, which was severely affected for three to four months. Military affairs expert Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan (retd) said that after completing the tunnel, the road would remain open year-round. It will allow faster movement of military deployment for the reserves, and the population will no longer get cut off from the mainland. Over 50 engineers and 500 workers helped in constructing the tunnel using the latest Austrian tunnelling techniques, including observing and studying the rock and designing tunnel support as per the rock behaviour. Around 4,000 army and civilian vehicles will use the tunnel daily. The tunnel dimensions will support the movement of all types of army vehicles and military hardware, including the Bofors guns that currently have to be moved to forward areas by Scania trucks. Image Source Also read: Sela tunnel project enters decisive phase: Defense Ministry

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?