Itanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, the world's longest twin-lane passageway strategically located near India's border with China.

The tunnel has been built on a budget of Rs 825 crore by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,700 feet in the West Kameng district. It is connected along the road connecting Tezpur in Assam with Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Sela Tunnel will ensure All-weather connectivity to Tawang and forward areas bypassing the Sela top which will not only facilitate smoother movement of troops and supplies but also reinforces our defence capabilities in the region", the BRO said in a statement. The tunnel system consists of two tunnels of lengths 1003m and 1595 m with a 8.6 km approach and link roads.

The PM inaugurated and dedicated the tunnel to the nation at the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit North East' program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, he acknowledged the new enthusiasm among the people of the Northeast for Viksit Northeast. He also expressed gratitude for the support of Nari Shakti )women power) for the initiative.

Reiterating his vision of ‘ashtalakshmi’ for the development of the Northeast, the Prime Minister called the region a strong link of tourism, business, and cultural relations with South and Southeast Asia. 

He referred to the projects initiated by his government in the region - such as building concrete houses for 35,000 families in the Northeast. "These education, road, railways, infrastructure, hospitals, and tourism projects have come with a guarantee of a Viksit Northeast", he added. He further said that the allocation of funds in the last 5 years is four-fold more than the earlier.

The development projects will be spread across the rail, road, health, housing, education, border infrastructure, IT, power, oil, and gas sectors, according to the Prime Minister.

He also highlighted the recent Cabinet approval for the UNNATI scheme for industrial development of the Northeast in a new form and expanded scope.

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