Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Heavy drilling machine airlifted to aid rescue efforts on day 4, workers safe

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Heavy drilling machine airlifted to aid rescue efforts on day 4, workers safe

A heavy drilling machine, an 'American auger,' was airlifted from Delhi by three Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft to replace the "failed" equipment previously used to create a passage for 40 workers trapped in an under-construction tunnel.

The machine, which landed in parts at the Chinyalisaur airport, is being put into service amid concerns among workers at the site regarding the progress of the multi-agency rescue operations. The tunnel collapse occurred three days prior on the Char Dham route.

At the entrance of the tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, workers voiced their dissatisfaction through slogans, protesting the perceived "slow" pace of the rescue operation for their colleagues who have been trapped inside for the fourth consecutive day. The chanting and demonstration by the workers reflect their frustration and concerns regarding the ongoing rescue efforts.

The rescue plan involves utilizing the 'American auger' machine to drill through the debris of the collapsed portion of the tunnel. Following this, 800-mm and 900-mm diameter sections of mild steel pipes will be inserted one after the other. This process aims to create a passage through which the trapped workers on the other side of the rubble can crawl out to safety. The use of the drilling machine and steel pipes is a strategic approach to facilitate the rescue operation and ensure the safe extraction of the workers.

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The initial drilling machine used in the rescue operation was deemed too slow, and technical issues arose during its operation, according to officials. Additionally, falling debris within the tunnel damaged the equipment and led to injuries for two rescue workers on November 14. These challenges have prompted the decision to airlift a new 'American auger' machine to expedite the drilling process and enhance the rescue efforts for the workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.

The replacement 'American auger' machine was transported in three C-130J Hercules aircraft to Chinyalisaur on November 15 afternoon. From Chinyalisaur, the machine is being transported by road to the tunnel, which is approximately two hours away. While one part of the heavy drilling machine has already reached the tunnel, the remaining parts are still in the process of being unloaded from the aircraft at Chinyalisaur, as reported by an official in Uttarkashi. The deployment of this new equipment is part of efforts to expedite the rescue operation for the workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.

"After all parts of the machine arrive here, they will be unloaded and assembled which may take a few hours before being deployed for drilling. With a capacity to penetrate four-five metres of rubble per hour, we can expect it to excavate 50 metres through the rubble in 10 hours," news agency PTI quoted NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish Khalkho as saying.

Also Read: Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescue operation underway, PM monitoring situation, says CM Dhami 

The introduction of the new 'American auger' machine is aimed at expediting the process of creating an escape passage for the trapped workers. The machinery is expected to enhance the rescue operation and facilitate the swift preparation of a passage to ensure the safe evacuation of the workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.

Khalkho also mentioned that a six-diameter pipe has been installed through the rubble to provide food items to the trapped workers. Previously, food was supplied through a pipe intended for oxygen delivery. This adaptation in the rescue strategy aims to address the immediate needs of the workers while the drilling process is underway to create a safe passage for their evacuation.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela stated that officials are in constant communication with the trapped workers, urging them not to lose patience. Maintaining regular contact with the workers is crucial for providing reassurance and updates on the ongoing rescue efforts. The authorities are likely emphasizing the importance of staying calm and patient as the operation progresses to ensure the safety of those trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.

Tehri Member of Parliament (MP) Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah visited the tunnel site and mentioned that both the central and state governments are offering all necessary technological support to accelerate the evacuation process of the trapped workers. The involvement and coordination between the central and state authorities underscore the collaborative efforts aimed at efficiently addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of the workers.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is actively monitoring the rescue operation in Silkyara, even while being in Indore, according to an official statement. The Chief Minister is staying updated on the situation by receiving updates from the Garhwal commissioner and senior officials of the various agencies involved in the relief and rescue operation. This demonstrates the government's commitment to overseeing and coordinating efforts to address the emergency situation.

The officials have confirmed that the trapped laborers are safe, and essential supplies, including oxygen, electricity, medicines, food items, and water, are being provided to them through pipes. This ongoing support is crucial in maintaining the well-being of the workers while the rescue operation continues to create a safe passage for their evacuation.

Khalkho stated that it is not possible to provide a definite timeframe for the evacuation of the trapped laborers. However, efforts are underway to expedite the process and rescue them safely as soon as possible. Constant communication is being maintained to keep the workers informed about the progress of the rescue operation and to provide reassurance during this challenging situation.

According to a list provided by the emergency operation center, the trapped workers are from various states. The distribution is as follows: 15 workers are from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five from Odisha, four from Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

(With PTI inputs)