Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a series of development projects on Saturday, with a highlight being the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel, a crucial infrastructure link offering all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Sela Tunnel project, originally initiated by Modi in February 2019 with an estimated cost of Rs 825 crore, faced delays due to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, after overcoming obstacles, the tunnel, located at a staggering elevation of 13,000 feet, is set to facilitate uninterrupted access to Tawang.
Key Details
The Sela Tunnel project, encompassing two tunnels and 8.780 km of approach road, comes at a strategic cost of Rs 825 crore. Its total length, including tunnels, approach roads, and link roads, stretches approximately 12 km. The primary tunnel spans 980 meters, while the secondary one measures 1.5 km, complete with an emergency escape route.
Constructed utilizing the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), the Sela Tunnel claims the title of the world's longest bi-lane tunnel at such a high altitude. Its significance lies in enhancing connectivity between Assam's Tezpur and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, critical due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Connecting India and China
This infrastructure marvel burrows beneath the formidable 4,200-meter Sela Pass, a crucial route often obstructed by snowfall and landslides. By ensuring year-round accessibility to Tawang and neighboring areas bordering China, the tunnel significantly bolsters India's strategic and operational readiness along its northern frontiers.
Boosting the Northeast
Apart from the Sela Tunnel, PM Modi unveiled an array of projects totaling Rs 55,600 crore across the Northeast. Among these, the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project in Lower Dibang Valley district stands out with an estimated cost of Rs 31,875 crore, poised to become the country's tallest dam structure.
Furthermore, Modi laid the groundwork for various infrastructure ventures, environmental initiatives, and educational enhancements. Noteworthy among these are the initiation of over 1,100 projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, installation of 170 telecom towers under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), and the allocation of more than 35,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Expanding Horizons
In Manipur, projects worth over Rs 3,400 crore were introduced, including the Unity Mall, IT SEZ processing zone, and healthcare facilities. Similarly, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Tripura witnessed the launch of diverse schemes aimed at fostering growth and prosperity in the region.
A notable endeavor, the UNNATI scheme, worth Rs 10,000 crore, promises to revolutionize industrialization in the Northeast. Fully funded by the Centre, it offers incentives to encourage capital investment, interest subvention, and support for manufacturing and service-oriented enterprises across all eight Northeastern states.
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