Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescuers have drilled through 42 meters of debris blocking collapsed tunnel

A portion of the under-construction tunnel, between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway, collapsed at 5:30 am on November 12, trapping 41 workers

Authorities in charge of the rescue operation in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel have drilled through 42 meters of the estimated 60 meters that need to be cleared to push through a pipe wide enough for 41 trapped workers in an under-construction tunnel on the Char Dham route.

"National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corp (NHIDCL) has resumed horizontal boring from the Silkyara end to rescue workers using an Augur boring machine. As of date, 42 meters of pipes have been inserted," the Union government said in a press release on November 22.

Mahmood Ahmed, Managing Director, NHIDCL expects that if rescue operations continue at the current pace, workers will start crawling out of the tunnel by November 23.

"Many hurdles can emerge, but if they don’t, we hope that by late in the night or early tomorrow we all will get some good news," Ahmed said.

Possible obstructions in the debris could include large boulders, stones and metal girders, he said, adding that welding together the evacuation pipe needed more time than drilling.

According to officials, a total of seven pipes have been placed and the next 8 to 10 meters will be very crucial, as the chances of the drill hitting any obstruction will be high in this part of the debris.

So far eight ambulances have been brought to the site of the tunnel collapse and the trapped men have been receiving fruits, cooked food items, toiletries and clothing through a 6-inch pipe.

On November 19, a 6-inch pipe was successfully pushed through the collapsed portion of the tunnel, paving the way for larger quantities of food to be supplied to the workers trapped inside, who until then were subsisting on dry rations pushed through a 4-inch pipe.

A portion of the under-construction tunnel, between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway, collapsed at 5:30 am on November 12, trapping 41 workers.

According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot. They drilled a pipe through the debris and they sent a walkie-talkie to the trapped workers.

According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot. They drilled a pipe through the debris and sent a walkie-talkie to the trapped workers.

While initial media reports suggested that a landslide triggered the collapse, NHIDCL officials say that an investigation is on.

The Uttarakhand government has constituted a six-member expert committee to investigate the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse.

Environmentalists such as Ravi Chopra have pointed out that the use of dynamite and large drills causes landslides and tunnel collapses.

In the development of the Himalayan region, ecological concerns should be addressed first, Chopra said. Sustainable development demands approaches that are both geologically and ecologically sound, he added.

Silkyara tunnel project details

In February 2018, the Union Cabinet approved the construction of a 4.531 km two-lane bi-directional tunnel known as the Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel.

Situated along NH-134 in Uttarakhand, this project is a part of the Char Dham Mahamarg Pariyojana, with an estimated construction period of four years and a cost projection of Rs 1,119.69 crore.

The total project cost, encompassing land acquisition and rehabilitation, is Rs 1,383.78 crore. Currently facing delays, the project is anticipated to be completed by May 14, 2024.