Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: Air Force's Chinook Helicopter Ready To Airlift As India Waits For 41 Workers

Rescuers are on the brink of extricating 41 workers who've been stuck inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi for 17 days, drawing global attention to the massive operation. An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter has landed at the Silkyara tunnel, preparing to airlift the workers post-rescue.

Skilled experts are actively constructing a ramp to reach the trapped workers, who will be brought out once the ramp is completed. Efforts are escalating to extract the 41 individuals confined within the Silkyara tunnel. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared via X (formely known as Twitter) that the insertion of the rescue pipe inside the tunnel is finished, ensuring the imminent rescue of all workers.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Chinook helicopter present at Chinyalisaur airstrip to airlift the workers after their rescue from Silkyara tunnel. pic.twitter.com/ZRFgM6VvDp

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023

"Our workers brothers will be taken out soon," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, adding that work on laying pipes to pull out the workers was complete.

The Managing Director of the company involved in the tunnel rescue operation confirmed the initiation of the laborers' rescue process.

"The pipe has been carefully inserted without any obstruction, marking a breakthrough. The rescue of the laborers has commenced. There are around 3-4 phases in this operation... NDRF teams are inside. Once the ramp is ready, the workers will be brought out," he stated.

Meanwhile, a temporary medical setup has been established within the tunnel. Following the evacuation of the trapped workers, they will undergo health assessments at this location. The health department has arranged eight beds in case of emergencies, with a dedicated team of doctors and experts on standby.