In the rugged heights of Arunachal Pradesh, where oxygen is thin and weather unpredictable, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is racing against nature to build one of Tawang district’s most important infrastructure projects — the 14-km Sela–Chabrela–BJ Gompa road. Located at an altitude exceeding 13,000 feet, the road not only holds strategic military value but also promises to reshape the economic landscape of this remote border region. Executed under the command of the 90 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 42 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), the project reflects India’s continued commitment to enhancing border connectivity in areas close to the Indo-China frontier. Despite treacherous terrain, bone-chilling temperatures, landslides, and frequent health hazards due to low oxygen levels, the BRO is pushing ahead with steady determination.
“Constructing the Sela–Chabrela–BJ Gompa road is no easy feat. The terrain is treacherous, the window for work is short, and we face extreme climatic challenges daily. Yet, we are committed to completing it within the timeline,” said a BRO official closely monitoring the progress on site.According to the BRO, a major portion of the road has already been completed, and the agency is targeting full completion by December 2025. Given the limited working season—only a few months of relatively stable weather—the speed of construction under such conditions is being hailed as a feat of engineering and perseverance.This road is more than just a line of connectivity. Tawang district, known for its proximity to the sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, holds a key place in India’s national security calculus. The road is expected to significantly enhance military logistics, allowing for quicker troop movement, easier supply chain access, and faster response times in the event of any escalation in the border region.
Yet, the significance of the road extends beyond defence. BRO officials have emphasized the dual-purpose nature of the project. Once completed, the Sela–Chabrela–BJ Gompa road will also support economic and tourism development, acting as a critical artery for trade, local travel, and adventure tourism.“We believe this road will not only strengthen India’s border infrastructure but also bring socio-economic benefits to the people of Tawang. The region’s rich natural beauty, monasteries, and cultural heritage can attract tourists and enhance local income,” said the BRO official.With better road access, remote villages along the route are likely to witness improvements in healthcare access, education, transport of local goods, and overall mobility. The road will also make cultural sites like BJ Gompa more accessible to both pilgrims and tourists, offering a boost to spiritual tourism in the area.
