The importance of Sela tunnel as tensions rise between India and China
Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the strategically significant Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh providing an all-weather connectivity to Tawang bordering China.
The inauguration comes a day after China's stern reply to India amid the diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
According to a Bloomberg report, India has freed up thousands of soldiers to strengthen its disputed border with China, adding a potential irritant to its already sour relations with Beijing. As a response, China has said that deploying more troops at the border would not ease tensions. It said that it is committed to upholding peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Specifications
The foundation of the project was laid by Modi in February 2019, with a cost estimation of Rs 825 crore, but work got delayed due to various reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sela Tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Strategically crucial, the Sela Tunnel project includes two tunnels and 8.780 km of approach road. The total length of the project, including the tunnels, the approach and the link roads, will be around 12 km.
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Of the two tunnels, the first is a single-tube tunnel of 980 metres in length, and the second is 1.5 km long with an escape tube for emergencies.
An official said that the tunnel, stretching through the Sela-Charbela ridge and
