Tezpur (Assam): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is constructing two tunnels through Sela Pass that are expected to be completed by 2022.
The BRO has been working on a war footing to complete the construction of these tunnels, which is expected to provide an all-weather road to the Indian Army to reach the country's eastern frontier and it is also expected to cut down the travel distance to Tawang by a few hours.
It is to be mentioned that at present the distance between Tezpur to Tawang is 350 km. However, one has to pass the snow-clad Sela Pass, located about 4170 meters from sea level, to reach Tawang. The heavy snowfalls along the Sela Pass also make it difficult for the Indian Army as well as the civilians to travel to Tawang.
The two tunnels through the Sela pass are being constructed so that the snowfalls in the Pass can be avoided and it will cut down the distance at least by 10 to 15 km.
"The construction works are in full swing. The radius of the tunnels will be 475 meters and 1790 meters," BRO officials said adding that while the tunnels will be used after the completion for civilians as well as by the Armed forces, the communication through the Sela Pass will also continue.
The official further said that the speed limit inside the tunnel will be 80 km per hour and there will be 8 ventilators installed inside the tunnels.
"Emergency telephone services will also be installed inside the tunnels for use during emergency situations," the official added.
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