'If machine works properly, we might reach them in...': Nitin Gadkari's tunnel rescue timeline
PTC News Desk: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday morning visited the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse site. On taking the stock of situation Gadkari stated that he expects the rescuers will be able to reach the victims who are trapped inside it in another two to two-and-a-half days.
"If the auger machine works properly, we will be able to reach them (victims) within the next 2 to 2.5 days," Gadkari said from the tunnel site. Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, accompanied the Union Minister.
Minister Gadkari informed that private tunnel experts working for various organizations in the region had also been enlisted to help with the rescue efforts.
Pipes were used to deliver food, medicine, and oxygen to those trapped inside. Work is being done on another alternate supply line in case of any problems with the first line.
"There is light and plenty of space inside the tunnel, and the victims can move around; the communication line is operational," Gadkari told reporters, adding that the victims' morale was high.
Despite the fact that the geology and terrain of the Himalayas are extremely difficult, the rescue efforts are on a war footing. Notably, the rescue operations are now on their eighth day.
Furthermore, the Union Minister cautioned people not to jump to conclusions about the incident.
"Early diagnosis of anything is not recommended. We're getting into the details and looking into it. Please work with us to keep the victims' morale high."
"It will take some time to find out what the technical reasons are, and we are honestly working on that," he said.
The under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway between Silkyara and Dandalgaon collapsed in the early hours of November 12.
- ANI
