Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue: All 41 trapped labourers succesfully rescued

After days of relentless efforts, all the 41 labourers trapped inside the  Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand since November 12 have finally been rescued. Members of the NDRF team began pulling out the labourers gradually, beginning late this evening.

"I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on November 28 after all the trapped workers were brought safely out of the collapsed tunnel.

This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results," he said in a note.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had said on X, "With the blessing of Baba Baukh Nag Ji, prayers of crores of countrymen and the tireless work of the rescue teams engaged in the rescue operation, the work of laying pipes in the tunnel to take out the workers has been completed. Soon all the labourers will be taken out."  A senior Uttarakhand official at the site said drilling was complete.