Rescue teams could potentially reach the 41 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand within the next two days, provided that the auger machine drilling into the debris block functions properly, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari, along with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited the site of the tunnel collapse, which occurred as a result of a landslide, endangering the lives of the workers. The tunnel is part of the Char Dham project, a major undertaking by the central government.
Efforts to rescue the workers have faced numerous challenges, including the difficult terrain and the nature of the rocks in the area. As rescue teams work tirelessly to find a solution, the trapped workers are being provided with essential supplies such as food, water, and oxygen. Gadkari emphasized the importance of keeping the workers alive and expressed hope that they can be reached within the next couple of days if the auger machine performs as expected. The Border Roads Organisation is constructing roads to facilitate the transportation of special machines to the site, with several already in place. Two auger machines are currently being used for the rescue operation.
Chief Minister Dhami assured that the state government is fully committed to providing assistance to the rescue agencies in order to prioritize the safety and well-being of the trapped workers. Multiple agencies, including representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, are working together on this challenging rescue mission. Bhaskar Khulbe, a former advisor to the Prime Minister, stressed the importance of employing multiple strategies simultaneously to expedite the rescue process. The situation remains critical, and every effort is being made to bring the workers to safety as quickly as possible.
