India's strategic tunnels near China border set for early completion

Two tunnels, which are currently under construction at Sela Pass on the 317-km-long Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang axis, is one of the most strategically important projects being executed by India in the Eastern Sector. The tunnels will not only play a crucial role in providing all-weather connectivity to the forces deployed at the forward locations in Tawang and Bum La sectors along the Line of Actual Control but also benefit the local populace for their round-the-year movement.

One of the two tunnels is the second-longest two-lane tunnel to be built at over 13,000 feet. The other one is in Tibet, which is being controlled by China. Located in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, the Border Road Organisation is making two tunnels measuring 780m and 1555m long. The tunnels are being separated by a link road of 1200m.

Currently, work is underway on a 7.1-km-long approach road for the 780-m-long tunnel from the Baishaki side. The 1,555 m tunnel will be double-lane while the 780 m tunnel is a single lane and would connect Baishaki and Sela in Arunachal Pradesh. 

Stating that the tunnels are a harbinger of growth and development, the Sela Tunnel project director Col Parikshit Mehra said, "Currently, 50 engineers and over 500 labourers are deployed in the project. Almost 80 per cent of work has been completed in the 780-m-long tunnel and we are certain it will be finally completed before upcoming Army Day, which is on January 15, 2022."

The official deadline for completing the 1555m-long tunnel is August next year, but "we will complete it by June itself", Col Parikshit Mehra added.

Detailing the significance of these tunnels, Col Mehra said, "They will reduce travel time by an hour and distance by 6km. Once they get completed, the forces can smoothly move their men, machines and weapons anytime round the year." The Border Roads Organistion has in the past proved its mettle by completing projects like Atal Tunnel at 10,000 feet and Umlingla Pass in the Eastern Ladakh, in record time. 

Col Mehra said that the Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang route gets choked during winters from December to February due to heavy snowfall. In such a situation, the forces have to start storing their ration, medicines and other goods since October at their bases under Tawang and Bum La. The project which cost Rs 700 crore, will see passage of around 4000 vehicle every day, including military vehicles.

India has been cranking up the border infrastructure projects in an effort to deal with the crisis posed by the Chinese. Last month, Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari had reviewed several tunnel projects on the Srinagar-Leh axis. The presence of Chinese troops along the LAC has been a concern for the Indian military. Army chief Gen MM Naravane had also flagged this issue. With the infrastructure work progressing on a war footing, the armed forces will be in a better position to deal with the Chinese threat.

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