- Overview: In a massive boost to India’s border readiness, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has officially cleared the strategic Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh for the rapid, all-weather movement of heavy main battle tanks (like the T-90).
- Key Points:
- Engineering Marvel: Located at an altitude of 13,700 feet, it is the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel built above 13,000 feet, bypassing the treacherous snow-covered Sela Pass.
- Rapid Deployment: Previously, moving heavy artillery and tanks to the sensitive Tawang sector took days and was impossible during winter. Now, entire armored columns can cross the mountain in minutes, 365 days a year.
- Below the Radar: Because the tunnel runs through the mountain, troop and weapon movements are completely hidden from Chinese satellite surveillance and observation posts.
- Tourism and Economy: Just like other border tunnels, it also provides a massive economic lifeline to the local Monpa communities in Tawang, allowing year-round trade and tourism.
- Source Link: Border Roads Organisation Official Portal
- Q10. The strategically vital ‘Sela Pass’, which is now bypassed by the new all-weather tunnel, provides critical connectivity to which border town in Arunachal Pradesh?
- A) Walong
- B) Tawang
- C) Kibithu
- D) Mechuka
