In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 41 workers remain trapped under the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. Sixteen days and over 380 hours into their ordeal, the workers face an agonizing wait, possibly extending by days or even weeks, before their much-awaited rescue.

Setbacks and Challenges in the Race to Save Lives

After multiple setbacks, rescuers have finally commenced vertical drilling operations. By the end of yesterday, they had made significant progress, penetrating nearly 20 metres into the mountainside. However, the heavy auger drill brought in from the US suffered damage, adding to the complexities of the already challenging rescue mission.

Innovative Strategies and Manual Drilling Adopted

With the last 10-15 metres proving difficult to breach, rescuers are now turning to manual drilling. Workers are braving the unfinished escape passage, equipped with power tools and a steel chute, to continue the laborious task of breaking through the debris.

High-Tech Equipment and Specialist Teams at the Forefront

Sunday morning saw the arrival of a plasma cutter and a team of specialists from DRDO and Army engineers. By evening, extraction of the auger shaft had neared completion. Despite these challenges, the rescue officials are relentlessly pursuing alternative extraction plans.

Herculean Task Awaiting Rescuers: Excavation of Alternate Escape Tunnel

Starting Tuesday, a 180-metre horizontal alternate escape tunnel will be excavated, a daunting task expected to take 12-14 days to complete. This strategy, critical to reaching the trapped workers, could extend the rescue operations significantly.

A Grueling Wait for the Trapped Workers and Their Families

As the world watches, the trapped workers, situated within a stable segment of the tunnel, are being provided with food, medical supplies, and communication lines. With 41 ambulances and a fully equipped medical ward on standby, hopes remain high for their safe rescue.

  DRDO, India, Silkyara, Uttarakhand, Uttarkashi