About Sela Tunnel
Sela Tunnel is a high-altitude road tunnel located at Sela Pass in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, at about 13,000 feet above sea level. Inaugurated in March 2024, it is the world's longest bi-lane tunnel at this altitude and provides all-weather connectivity between Tezpur and Tawang along NH-13. Comprising two tunnels and an escape tube, it bypasses the snow-bound Sela Pass, reducing travel time and offering views of Himalayan landscapes and Sela Lake.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a drive-through experience through two well-lit, ventilated tunnels at high Himalayan altitude, bypassing the Sela Pass. The surroundings feature snow-covered mountains, Sela Lake (Paradise Lake) near the tunnel portals, and stark alpine terrain. There is no pedestrian walkway inside; visitors typically stop at designated areas near the tunnel entry/exit for photography and views of the lake and pass. The area is cold, windy and often snow-bound in winter.
Key highlights
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World's longest bi-lane tunnel at 13,000 feet altitude
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Comprises Tunnel 1 (980 metres) and Tunnel 2 (1,555 metres) with an escape tube of 1,200 metres
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Provides all-weather connectivity between Guwahati/Tezpur and Tawang, bypassing snow-bound Sela Pass
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Reduces travel time to Tawang by about one hour and ensures year-round access
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Scenic views of Sela Lake, Eastern Himalayas and snow-covered Sela Pass region
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Built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) using New Austrian Tunnelling Method
History of Sela Tunnel
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Vartak at a cost of about Rs 825 crore, Sela Tunnel was inaugurated on 9 March 2024. It was built to provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang and was executed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method to overcome challenges of high altitude and heavy snowfall at Sela Pass.
Culture & Context
Located near the sacred Sela Lake, which holds religious significance for Buddhists and is associated with local legends, the tunnel improves year-round access to the culturally significant Tawang region, home to Tawang Monastery and Monpa communities, while preserving the natural and spiritual landscape of Sela Pass.