Meet Arnold Dix, Who Has Joined Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation

Arnold Dix, a well-known international tunnelling and underground rescue expert, has joined the rescue operations which have been underway since the tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand following a landslide on November 12.

"Great work is being done. This is going to happen and we are on it. The whole team is here. We are going to find a solution and get them out," The Print quoted Dix as telling media on Monday.

About 40 people have been trapped inside Uttarkashi's Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel for eight days now after a portion of it collapsed some distance away from the Silkyara opening.

Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), project executing agency National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are working on the rescue operation.

Dix stated the "real experts on this geology are here. Here in the Himalayas." "The plans are looking fantastic... The tunnel is good. The work going on is very systematic. Food, medication, and air is being put through," he claimed.

Who Is Arnold Dix?

Australian Professor Arnold Dix, President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association and Of Counsel at White and Case, is a distinguished Barrister and Scientist specializing in underground infrastructure. He played a key role in initiating and instructing on the development of the New FIDIC - ITA Underground Works form of Contract. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor Dix is actively involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution Boards, Mediations, and Arbitrations. His expertise extends to investigating tunnel disasters globally.

A member of the British Institute of Investigators, Arnold Dix has dedicated decades to serving on the committees and working groups of prominent organizations such as the ITA, FIDIC, PIARC, and NFPA. He maintains a global presence, actively participating on all continents. Professor Dix is affiliated with the specialist Underground Works Chambers, holds membership at the Victorian Bar, and serves as a visiting Professor of Engineering (tunnels) at Tokyo City University.