The government is working tirelessly to rescue the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi. The rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing mode to ensure the safe evacuation of the workers.
Various government agencies, along with national and international experts, are present at the site to provide guidance and support for the operation. The government is maintaining constant communication with those trapped to boost their morale.
Here are the key updates on the rescue operations:
- NHIDCL Lifeline Efforts: The government is ensuring that the trapped workers have access to food and essential supplies. Freshly cooked food, fresh fruits, and medicines have been supplied to them through a specially extended lifeline service.
- Horizontal Boring by NHIDCL: The government has started auger drilling to create a passage in the tunnel. Despite encountering obstacles, such as a metallic object and a bent part of the tunnel lining, progress is being made in pushing the auger further into the tunnel.
- Vertical Drilling for Rescue by SJVNL: Drilling machinery has arrived at the site, and the platform for launching the drilling machine has been completed. The drilling point has been marked, and the assembly of the machine has started.
- Horizontal Drilling from Barkot Side by THDCL: THDC has initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end. Four blasts have already been completed, resulting in a 9.10 meter drift. Shotcreting and rib erection work are in progress.
- Perpendicular-Horizontal Drilling by RVNL: Equipment for horizontal drilling has reached the site, and the platform for setting up the equipment is expected to be completed soon.
- Vertical Drilling (6 inches) by RVNL at Silkyara end: A vertical drilling machine has been towed to the location, and the drilling work is expected to be completed by 26th November.
- Vertical Drilling Toward Barkot End by ONGC: An air drilling rig machine has reached the site, and a field survey is being conducted before starting the drilling work.
- Drift Tunnel by Manual-Semi Mechanized Method: A joint team of THDCL, the Army, Coal India, and NHIDCL is working on creating a drift tunnel inside the main tunnel. Frame fabrication and mobilization of box culverts are underway.
- Road Cutting and Supportive Work by BRO: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has completed the construction of approach roads for vertical drilling by SJVNL and RVNL. BRO is also constructing the approach road for ONGC.
It’s important to note that the timelines provided may change due to technical challenges and unforeseen emergencies. However, the government is fully committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the trapped workers.
