The Sela Pass Tunnel

26 Sep 2024 CW Team

The world’s longest bi-lane tunnel project, Sela Pass, was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak at an altitude over 13,000 ft above sea level and at a cost of Rs.8.25 billion to enhance all-weather connectivity and facilitate rapid military deployment to Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and Kameng regions along the China frontier. With considerable experience and a stellar track record in managing complex large-scale projects, Patel Engineering was chosen to execute the project. Weather conditions in the region are so harsh that temperatures plummet to as low as -20°C, causing diesel to freeze, and heavy snowfall and landslides on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road posed challenges. The enormity of the task can be judged by the fact that it required over 9 million man-hours with an average of 650 workers contributing daily for five years. Also, 71,000 metric tonne of cement, 5,000 metric tonne of steel and 800 metric tonne of explosives were used for construction.

The significance of Sela

“The project is distinguished by several unique features,” says Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director, Patel Engineering, about its USP adding, “It ensures all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, providing a vital passage even during harsh winter conditions, avoiding the challenges of snow clearance and facilitating year-round. Strategically located near the Sino-India border, the tunnel enables swift movement of troops, weapons and machinery, thereby enhancing connectivity and security in the region, which is crucial for defence logistics.”

To read the full story Click Here

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..