Crossing The Sela Heights: The Roads To Tawang, Much Light At The End Of Game-Changing Tunnels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategic Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh along the China Front on  March 9, 2024. We filmed the critical connectivity in Tawang in an episode that was first aired in June 2023. In our series, ‘Along The China Front: Commanding The Tawang Heights’, Episode One documents our travel from Dibrugarh, Assam to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. StratNews Global focuses on the north-west of Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC—the Tawang sector.

StratNews Global’s team of Amitabh P. Revi and Rohit Pandita looks at the spurt in infrastructure and connectivity development that is having a far-reaching effect in the northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, India’s government has made significant investments and plans for road and tunnel construction to improve connectivity and security along the border. Also, in this episode, we travel along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang(BCT) road, through the Nechiphu and Sela Tunnels and the Sela Pass towards Tawang. We interact with the Border Roads Organisation, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Indian Air Force personnel to particularly understand the strategic significance of the region and the efforts to counter Chinese aggression. Finally, StratNews Global also pays tribute to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat at his memorial on the way to Tawang.

In Assam, the government has built new roads and tunnels, including the strategically important Bogibeel Bridge, which is the longest river bridge in India. As a result, the bridge has reduced the travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by several hours. Because of this, it has also made it easier for the Indian military to deploy troops to the border region. Significantly, in Arunachal Pradesh, the government has built new roads and tunnels, including the Nechiphu and Sela Tunnel, which is the longest in the world at a height of over 13,500 feet. So this makes a critical difference for the military to deploy troops and heavy weaponry to the LAC with China. Undoubtedly, the road network is also significantly improving connectivity and economic development in the region.

Editor’s Note: This documentary was first aired in June 2023 and hit 400,000+ views on March 25, 2024.

Along The China Front: Commanding The Tawang Heights

“LAC Visits Of Senior PLA Officers Have Increased, Our Eyes Are Exactly Where They Need To Be”

Commanding The Tawang Heights: Assam Hill To Bum La

The Guns Of Kyapho & PTSO

Yangtse: How India Beat Back PLA Incursions & Where The Army Looks Down On Chinese Positions

Related Stories/Videos: