Massive rescue operation underway as tunnel collapse traps 40 Workers in Uttarakhand

Rescue missions are currently underway to evacuate 40 construction workers who are trapped inside the debris of a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand. During the wee hours of November 12, a section of the under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway in Uttarakhand collapsed. Trucks, transporting pipes for the purpose of creating a platform and facilitating the drilling and insertion of metal pipes to reach the trapped workers, have been deployed. In addition, the Uttarakhand government has formed a six-member expert committee to investigate the incident of the tunnel collapse.

"I myself visited the spot and conducted an on-site inspection and am constantly keeping an eye on the rescue operations. Arrangements have been made to send large diameter hume pipes from Haridwar and Dehradun for rescue operations,"said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday after he visited the accident site to take account of the rescue operations.

Officials have reported that they are in the process of creating a platform for an auger machine to horizontally drill and insert substantial 900 mm diameter MS pipes amid the debris. This strategic approach aims to facilitate the extraction of the trapped workers through the implemented metal pipes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Dhami on Monday, over a phone call and reportedly enquired about the 40 trapped workers. In addition, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have also spoken to the Uttarakhand CM.

"Rescue operation is underway, all the agencies and technical experts have arrived here. Out of the 60 metres of debris, over 20 metres of debris have been cleared. We expect to evacuate the 40 people trapped inside by the night tomorrow. All basic amenities including oxygen, food, and water are being provided to them through pipes. Family members of the people trapped have also been contacted,” said SP Yadhuvanshi, who stated that it may take until Tuesday night to evacuate and clear the accident site.

The Silkyara Tunnel, with a length of 4531 meters, is under construction at a cost of ₹853.79 crore. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is the designated agency responsible for the tunnel's construction.​