Rescue operations for the 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel have reached the final stage. After a brief halt due to a broken auger machine, drilling operations have resumed today. So far, rescuers have drilled approximately 46 meters in the tunnel. These workers have been trapped for 12 days following the collapse of a section of the under-construction tunnel on November 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to inquire about the ongoing rescue efforts. Here are the latest updates on the rescue operation:
According to senior officials, only 10-12 meters of drilling remain to reach the trapped workers. However, it is challenging to provide a specific timeframe for the rescue due to unexpected obstacles that have postponed the work.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the tunnel rescue operation is in its “last step.” He informed reporters that Prime Minister Modi is closely monitoring the situation and discussing potential solutions to any difficulties the workers may encounter. Dhami expressed hope that all the agencies from both the central and state governments working together will successfully complete the rescue operation.
The Uttarakhand government has announced that the previously damaged auger machine has been repaired. The machine had to be disassembled due to the presence of steel pipes obstructing its progress and the bending of the inserted pipe.
Sanjay Bhatt, director of ONGC, who is present at the rescue site, has assured that the workers will be rescued by this evening. He stated that there are no significant hindrances to the operation at the moment, and everyone is hopeful for a successful rescue.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, General (retd) VK Singh, visited the Silkyara tunnel site to assess the ongoing rescue efforts. The workers have been trapped for 13 days since the tunnel collapse on November 12. The rescue operation is in its final phase, with only a few meters remaining to reach the trapped workers.
The situation has improved, according to former advisor to PMO, Bhaskar Khulbe. He mentioned that last night, work was focused on revamping the machine platform and ground penetration radar by Parsons Company.
The drilling work was temporarily halted yesterday due to a technical problem with the auger machine. Rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel so far.
Overall, the rescue operation is progressing towards its conclusion, with hopes of successfully retrieving the trapped workers in the near future.
