Arunachal CM opens Sela Tunnel ahead of inauguration to rescue stranded tourists amid warnings of avalanche

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, made an exceptional decision to open the Sela Tunnel ahead of its inauguration, in a bid to rescue stranded tourists and citizens. 

The region had witnessed a severe snowstorm for two days, leaving hundreds stranded near Tawang, close to the Indo-China border. 

As per reports, there was a warning of an avalanche also due to this heavy snowfall.

In response to the crisis, Khandu ordered the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to open the under-construction tunnel for public use. 

This decision aims to provide all-weather connectivity for travellers to and from Tawang. 

The Sela Tunnel, which is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, will significantly reduce travel time and improve accessibility, especially during harsh winters. 

Senior citizen tourists from Mumbai praised the efforts of the SSB and the army, who provided them with shelter and facilitated their rescue through the tunnel. 

Senior citizen tourist stated (Jagdish Dedhia) said, "Ours is a hot city Mumbai and we never experienced such cold -9 degree weather and such snow storm. Ultimately it was a great memorable experience for us and Arunachal as a whole is no less than Switzerland and has a breathtaking beauty keeping aside this snowstorm experience "

"SSB personnel came at last to rescue us and gave us one room with a heater in their barracks. There was a lack of facilities in Sela Paas and at last, when CM Arunachal gave the order to open the Sela tunnel for tourists and army vehicles we got relief and got rescued through the path which is informed that it was yet to be inaugurated officially," said a tourist.

Despite the ordeal, the tourists likened Arunachal to Switzerland for its breathtaking beauty and memorable experience.

Two days of Snowstorm in Sela Paas of Arunachal led hundreds of tourists Stranded near Tawang close to Indo Indo-China border as vehicles started skidding and got stuck after the snowstorm. 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu yesterday went out of his way to give special orders urged BRO to open the currently under-construction Sela Tunnel for public use as needed ahead of its official inauguration in the first week of March this year.

The decision aims to provide all-weather connectivity for travellers to and from Tawang, addressing the challenges posed by inclement weather and road blockages in the region.

“The Sela Tunnel will be opened for public use as and when required before its expected inauguration in March first week. We have communicated the same to the authorities concerned,” Khandu said while addressing a rally at Dirang.

Sela Tunnel – Information & Updates

Sela Tunnel is expected to be completed and opened in March 2024 (current deadline)and is expected to be inaugurated by PM Modi. The project with 2 tunnels (980m & 1555m) and 8.780 km approach roads is under construction by Patel Engineering Ltd.

The Sela Tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve accessibility for the people of the region, particularly during harsh winters when heavy snowfall and landslides often isolate the area.

Additionally, the Sela Tunnel will facilitate the army’s rapid response to security challenges and enhance its presence in the forward areas.

Once fully completed, the Sela Tunnel, stretching through the Sela–Charbela ridge that separates the Tawang district from the Dirang Circle in the West Kameng district, will be the world’s longest bilane tunnel at 13,000 feet.

This strategic Sela tunnel is being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel in March this year.