Intensive Rescue Efforts in Progress for Trapped Workers at Silkyara Tunnel Collapse Site

Uttarkashi, November 20, 2023: The rescue operations for the 41 trapped workers at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi are in full swing, with various government agencies working collaboratively to ensure the safety and evacuation of those affected by the collapse. The incident, which occurred on November 12, prompted immediate mobilization of resources by the State Government and the Government of India.

The affected portion of the tunnel, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometers in length, is the built-up section where concreting work has been completed, providing a safe space for the trapped laborers. To address the critical situation, multiple agencies have been assigned specific responsibilities:

1. NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited):
   • Horizontal boring from the Silkyara end for worker rescue through an Augur boring machine will resume.
   • A 6-inch diameter pipeline for food supply is being drilled, with 39 meters out of 60 meters completed.
   • Ongoing construction of an approach road by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) ensures safe access for NHIDCL operations.
2. RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Limited):
   • Working on a vertical pipeline for the supply of essential items.
   • Mobilizing machinery for micro-tunneling through horizontal drilling to aid in the rescue of laborers.
3. THDC (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited):
   • Commenced work on a 480-meter rescue tunnel from the Barkot end.
4. SJVNL (Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited):
   • Implementing vertical drilling operations for laborer rescue.
   • Mobilized equipment from Gujarat and Odisha through Railways for vertical drilling.
5. ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation):
   • Undertaking deep drilling expertise for vertical drilling from the Barkot end.
   • Initiating the process for vertical drilling.

The collaborative efforts include the establishment of essential amenities in the completed portion of the tunnel, such as electricity, water, and the supply of food items and medicines through a 4-inch compressor pipeline. Additionally, NHIDCL has achieved a breakthrough by completing the drilling of another 6-inch diameter pipeline for the delivery of essential items.

The government agencies are determined to expedite the rescue operations, emphasizing the importance of a multi-pronged approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the trapped workers. The deployment of various drilling and tunneling techniques demonstrates the commitment to exploring all possible solutions for the timely evacuation of those trapped in the tunnel collapse.