Uttarakhand CM Dhami Assures Swift Rescue Of 41 Trapped Workers, PM Modi Kept Updated

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami who arrived in Silkyara for an on-the-spot review of the rescue efforts said that a 45-meter pipeline has been installed using an auger machine, marking the concluding phases of the rescue operation. Although some obstacles persist, efforts are underway to expedite the workers.

"Preparations post-rescue have been completed, with ambulances and hospitals standing by for necessary check-ups and treatments. Prime Minister Modi remains actively informed about the ongoing rescue, receiving regular updates, including today. Our dedicated experts continue to work tirelessly day and night to ensure the successful retrieval of the workers", he further added.

Rescue operations to evacuate 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel resumed on Thursday morning after an overnight hurdle delayed the drilling by several hours. The agencies just need to insert the 800 mm steel pipe through the remaining 12-15 meters.

Former advisor to the prime minister's office Bhaskar Khulbe said an iron mesh thad had come in the path of the drilling machine creating an escape passage for the workers was removed in the morning but has delayed the rescue operation by 12 to 14 hours.

Removing the mesh in a claustrophobic environment inside the pipe was difficult and the problem was compounded by the lack of oxygen, Khulbe told reporters.

''It took us six hours to remove it. But the good news is that we have cleared the hurdle which came yesterday after drilling up to 45 metres had been done,'' he said.

Now the process of assembling to go beyond 45 metres which requires welding the pipes has been restarted. The drilling will also resume soon, he said.

It will take around 12 to 14 hours more to complete the whole operation of reaching the workers. After that, it will take three hours to take out the workers one by one. That will be done with the help of NDRF, Khulbe said.

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Gen V K Singh and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwal have arrived in Silkyara for an on-the-spot review of the rescue efforts.