GUWAHATI: The Nechiphu Tunnel connecting Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang with Assam’s Balipara was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.
In an online event, the Defence Minister virtually opened the strategically located, 450m-long tunnel in the West Kameng district of the state from Jammu. He was in Jammu to inaugurate 90 projects developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across 11 states/UTs in the country.
“Dedicated to the nation 90 infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), worth over Rs 2,900 crore and spread across 11 States/Union Territories. The BRO has done excellent work in the recent years and it has emerged as a shining example of civil-military fusion,” wrote Singh, on a popular micro-blogging website.
Of the 90 projects, those inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh include eight road projects and 20 bridges.
Taking to the said website, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who along with Director General of Police Anand Mohan witnessed the event at Sessa in West Kameng district, said that the tunnel will help in the smooth movements of troops and civilians.
“Inauguration of Nechiphu tunnel on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road in West Kameng by Hon Defence Min Shri @rajnathsinghJi further strengthens our border infrastructure. The tunnel will facilitate swift movement of troops and civilians,” he wrote.
In 2020, the foundation stone for the D-shaped, two-lane tunnel, was laid by Defence Minister Singh. Located at an altitude of 5,700 feet on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang route, the tunnel ensures year-round access to the crucial Tawang area, serving both the military and tourists. Recently, the BRO finished building eight roads in Arunachal Pradesh near the LAC, costing Rs 678 crore.
