Itanagar: The West Kameng district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has tightened regulations on the movement of vehicles carrying hazardous goods through the strategically important Sela Tunnel, citing public safety concerns and the need to avert accidents inside the underpass.
As per an order issued by deputy commissioner Akriti Sagar, transportation of hazardous materials through the tunnel will now be restricted to designated time slots.
Vehicles carrying inflammable substances such as petrol and LPG will be allowed to pass only between 1 pm and 3 pm, while limited night movement has been permitted between 11 pm and 4 am.
The administration said Army vehicles carrying hazardous consignments may be allowed to transit the tunnel strictly as part of convoy movements and only after prior intimation to the tunnel safety officer.
The order also lays down detailed traffic management measures for winter and monsoon seasons.
The Border Roads Organisation has been tasked with ensuring the tunnel remains traffic-worthy through regular maintenance and adequate deployment of manpower and equipment.
Traffic police will regulate vehicular movement and carry out diversions when necessary, while civil police posted at Padma and Dirang will ensure the use of snow chains during snowfall before vehicles enter the tunnel approach road.
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A set of mandatory safety norms has also been prescribed. Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must be fitted with automatic self-extinguishing systems, and firefighting facilities such as extinguishers and hydrants are to be installed inside the tunnel at visible and accessible locations.
Overtaking and halting inside the tunnel have been strictly banned, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must maintain safe distances at all times.
The order further mandates that transporters inform the tunnel safety officer at least 24 hours in advance to facilitate preparation of a hazardous passage manifest.
The maximum speed limit inside the tunnel has been capped at 40 kmph, with strict enforcement of all safety protocols.
