Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Efforts Intensify As Teams Carve Access Road

Efforts to reach 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi have seen limited progress, marking the operation's second week. Rescuers are adopting a comprehensive five-step approach, including carving a mountaintop track to access the tunnel's top for vertical drilling, aiming to extricate the trapped individuals.

One critical step involves inserting a pipeline, termed a "lifeline," through the 65-meter-thick debris wall to supply sustenance to the workers. Officials reported that one lifeline had reached a depth of 40 meters, while a second lifeline was being inserted vertically from the tunnel's top.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, visiting the site to assess the situation, emphasized the exploration of all options for rescue. "Our priority is to save the lives of the trapped workers. We have been exploring all options," Gadkari stated.

The workers have been trapped since November 12, following a section collapse within the 4.5-km tunnel being constructed near the Silkyara entrance in Uttarakhand. This tunnel is a part of the prominent Chardham all-weather road, connecting various pilgrimage sites.

Rescue strategies encompass drilling from both Silkyara and Barkot sides, vertical drilling from the top, and perpendicular drilling. Anurag Jain, MoRTH secretary, highlighted the involvement of multiple agencies, including ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL, in this extensive operation.

Jain detailed NHIDCL's efforts to create additional pipelines for food supply, completion of drilling passages, and plans for further operations. RVNL initiated vertical pipeline construction, while THDC mobilized heavy machinery for micro-tunneling from the Barkot end. SJVNL prepared for vertical drilling, planning an alternative route to conduct drilling to reach the trapped workers.

Despite challenges due to non-uniform soil strata in the Himalayan region, Gadkari expressed hope for the workers' rescue within two to three days, provided drilling with augur machines proceeds smoothly. Delays in operations have been attributed to tough terrain, but efforts continue to ensure a safe passage for rescuers and workers.