Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rescuers to reach stranded workers in Uttarkashi tunnel within the next 14-15 hours
Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rescue efforts are underway to reach the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi, a 2km stretch since November 12. Rescuers anticipate reaching the workers within the next 14-15 hours after facing an obstruction, a lattice metal girder, around 45 meters into the debris. Technicians from Delhi were called in to resolve this issue encountered by the drilling machine.
Bhaskar Khulbe, overseeing the tunnel project, confirmed the successful removal of the obstruction, detailing the welding process and plans to proceed with a 6-meter pipe insertion. He estimated approximately 14-15 hours for further drilling without encountering additional obstacles.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix reaches the Silkyara tunnel site where the rescue operation is underway to bring out the trapped workers.
Arnold Dix says "At the moment, it's like we are there at the front door and we… pic.twitter.com/eBrhdk4LGP — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
Safety precautions are being strictly followed, with an expert team monitoring vibrations. Khulbe assured ongoing communication with the trapped workers, noting their positive spirits during the rescue process. The workers indicated sensing smoke during the metal girder cutting, signaling proximity to their location.
Khulbe refrained from providing a definite timeline, citing the time-consuming process of inserting each 6-inch pipe, approximately taking four hours. The collapse occurred on a 4.5km National Highway tunnel, prompting multiple rescue attempts since its collapse.
_2717234e5d76f68b66b9ad7341d336fe_1280X720.webp)
NDRF's Director General Atul Karwal confirmed the resumption of the augur drilling machine after its earlier issues
"We plan to insert two to three six-meter pipes. If there are no further obstacles today, the rescue operation might conclude by day's end," he stated.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | DG NDRF, Atul Karwal says "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 get any obstacles, the rescue operation will be… pic.twitter.com/OMuwxBf5i5 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
Drilling was conducted for the first 6-m pipeline in Silkyara tunnel completed
The initial drilling for the six-meter pipeline in the Silkyara tunnel is finished, and the welding process is underway for the next pipeline. NDRF DG Atul Karwal noted that this process aims to aid the trapped workers in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi. He expressed hope that the operation might conclude tonight, barring any additional hurdles.
Karwal highlighted the challenging terrain as a hindrance to the ongoing rescue efforts.
- With inputs from agencies
