Uttarkashi tunnel collapse LIVE updates | PM Modi calls CM Dhami, takes stock of rescue ops

The 41 workers stuck in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara are likely to see sunlight today

The workers have been trapped since November 12 when the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot got blocked due to debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side.

Rescue workers are reportedly only 12 metres away from the trapped group. Ambulances are on standby and a special ward at a local health centre are kept ready.

Rescue operations resume after 6-hour delay

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.

Former Advisor to the Prime Minister’s office Bhaskar Khulbe, who was at the site, said an iron mesh which had come in the path of the drilling machine that is creating an escape path for the workers was removed in the morning.

Mr. Khulbe said the process of welding the pipes to go beyond 45 metres has been restarted. The drilling will also resume soon, he said.

“Rescue op will be completed by the end of day:” says NDRF DG

Director General of the National Disaster Response Force, Atul Karwal said that the multi-agency rescue operations to provide a safe passage to 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakashi will be completed by the end of the day.

DG NDRF said while speaking to ANI,” “The auger machine has started operating again. We are estimating to send 2-3 pipes of 6 metres inside. Hopefully, by the end of the day, if we do not encounter any obstacles, the rescue operation will be completed...”

PM Modi calls CM Dhami, enquires about progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the phone and sought information about the ongoing rescue operation.

“The Prime Minister was informed about the progress being made in the relief and rescue operations being conducted on a war footing in coordination with the central agencies, international experts and the state administration.

Respected Prime Minister was also informed about ensuring the arrangement of a team of doctors, ambulance, heli service and temporary hospital for the treatment and care of the workers and instructions were given to the doctors at AIIMS Rishikesh to be ready in case of any emergency,” wrote Mr. Dhami on X.