World’s longest twin-lane tunnel

• Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel, in Arunachal Pradesh.

ABOUT SELA TUNNEL

• Situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the strategically important Sela Tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, the project consists of two tunnels and over 8 km of approach roads, with a total length of approximately 12 km.
• The first tunnel is a single-tube tunnel spanning 980 metres, while the second serves as an emergency escape route, measuring 1.5 km in length.
• Situated near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Sela Tunnel is strategically crucial, providing year-round access to Tawang and other forward areas bordering China.
• The escape tube, constructed parallel to the main one, is connected with cross passages every 500 m.
• In case of emergency, this escape tube can be used for the movement of rescue vehicles and evacuation of stranded people.
• The tunnel has been designed for a traffic density of 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks per day with a maximum speed of 80 km per hour.