Context: In a major milestone in providing all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh close to the border with China, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)  conducted the final blast for the 980-metre long Sela Tunnel (Tunnel 1) under Project Vartak.

About Sela Main Tunnel

• The foundation stone for the Sela tunnel was laid by Prime Minister on February 09, 2019.
• It will provide connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh through the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road. 
• It is being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak.
• This tunnel is constructed using the latest New Austrian Tunneling Method is much below the snow line allowing all-weather travel without the challenges of snow clearance.

Significance

• It will reduce the distance and travel time, ensure speedier movement across the Sela Pass and ensure connectivity even during winter.
• It will strengthen national security.
• This tunnel will work to strengthen the socio-economic condition of the citizens by bringing a big change in the transport facility of the local population.