

# Rescue Operation Underway for 40 Trapped Workers in Collapsed Indian Tunnel

In Uttarakhand, a northern state in India, a rescue operation is ongoing for 40 construction workers trapped in a collapsed highway tunnel. The workers have been trapped since a landslide caused the tunnel to crumble (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

## The Rescue Efforts

Rescuers have drilled about one-third of the way into the debris, covering approximately 21 meters (70 feet) of distance (2). A new drilling machine has been assembled to speed up the rescue operation (3, 5). The drilling was interrupted due to damage to machine bearings caused by rock breaking and debris clearing (6). Another heavy-duty drilling machine is being brought to the tunnel to continue the operation (6).

> "Drilling with a new machine started on Thursday and has covered a stretch of about 80 feet so far," said Devendra Patwal, a disaster management official (5, 6).

## The Condition of the Trapped Workers

The trapped workers are reported to be doing fine (2). They have been provided with food, water, and oxygen through a pipe, and communication has been maintained via walkie-talkies (2). Some workers have complained of fever and body aches, but their condition has not deteriorated (3, 5, 6). 

> "Some of the workers felt fever and body aches Wednesday, but there has been no deterioration in their condition," said Anshu Manish Khalko, director of the National Highway Authority (6).

## The Tunnel and Its Significance

The collapsed tunnel, known as the Silkyara tunnel, is part of the Char Dham highway project initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government (2). The project aims to improve connectivity and access to Hindu pilgrimage locations (4). However, it has faced criticism from environmentalists due to its impact on the Himalayan region (4). 

## Seeking International Assistance

Indian authorities have reached out for international help in the rescue operation (4). Thai experts who helped rescue a youth soccer team trapped in a cave in 2018 have been contacted for assistance (4, 5). The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute has also been approached for advice (4, 5).

> "State officials have contacted Thai experts who helped rescue a youth soccer team trapped in a cave in Thailand in 2018," said state government administrator Gaurav Singh (5).

## The Aftermath

The tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand is one of several recent construction disasters in India (4). The incident raises questions about the safety measures in place for construction workers, especially in regions prone to natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes, and floods. The rescue operation's outcome could potentially influence future construction projects in the region and the country at large.

<h1>Rescue Operation Underway for 40 Trapped Workers in Collapsed Indian Tunnel</h1>
<p>In Uttarakhand, a northern state in India, a rescue operation is ongoing for 40 construction workers trapped in a collapsed highway tunnel. The workers have been trapped since a landslide caused the tunnel to crumble (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).</p>
<h2>The Rescue Efforts</h2>
<p>Rescuers have drilled about one-third of the way into the debris, covering approximately 21 meters (70 feet) of distance (2). A new drilling machine has been assembled to speed up the rescue operation (3, 5). The drilling was interrupted due to damage to machine bearings caused by rock breaking and debris clearing (6). Another heavy-duty drilling machine is being brought to the tunnel to continue the operation (6).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Drilling with a new machine started on Thursday and has covered a stretch of about 80 feet so far," said Devendra Patwal, a disaster management official (5, 6).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>The Condition of the Trapped Workers</h2>
<p>The trapped workers are reported to be doing fine (2). They have been provided with food, water, and oxygen through a pipe, and communication has been maintained via walkie-talkies (2). Some workers have complained of fever and body aches, but their condition has not deteriorated (3, 5, 6).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Some of the workers felt fever and body aches Wednesday, but there has been no deterioration in their condition," said Anshu Manish Khalko, director of the National Highway Authority (6).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>The Tunnel and Its Significance</h2>
<p>The collapsed tunnel, known as the Silkyara tunnel, is part of the Char Dham highway project initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government (2). The project aims to improve connectivity and access to Hindu pilgrimage locations (4). However, it has faced criticism from environmentalists due to its impact on the Himalayan region (4).</p>
<h2>Seeking International Assistance</h2>
<p>Indian authorities have reached out for international help in the rescue operation (4). Thai experts who helped rescue a youth soccer team trapped in a cave in 2018 have been contacted for assistance (4, 5). The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute has also been approached for advice (4, 5).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"State officials have contacted Thai experts who helped rescue a youth soccer team trapped in a cave in Thailand in 2018," said state government administrator Gaurav Singh (5).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>The Aftermath</h2>
<p>The tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand is one of several recent construction disasters in India (4). The incident raises questions about the safety measures in place for construction workers, especially in regions prone to natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes, and floods. The rescue operation's outcome could potentially influence future construction projects in the region and the country at large.</p>


NBC News

Rescuers drill into tunnel rubble in India to help 40 trapped workers escape

Indian authorities contact Thai cave rescue team as urgency increases to reach trapped men

Wall Street Journal

Rescuers Race to Free 40 Workers Trapped in Indian Mountain Tunnel

Reuters

Indian rescuers still 40 metres away from workers trapped in collapsed tunnel

Fox News

Rescue efforts in India ramp up to rescue 40 trapped workers

Indian rescuers drill through rubble to reach workers trapped in collapsed tunnel

India

Rescue Operation

Tunnel Collapse

Char Dham Highway Project

Uttarakhand

A rescue operation is ongoing for 40 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand, India. The tunnel is part of the Char Dham highway project.

Rescue Operation Underway for 40 Trapped Workers in Collapsed Indian Tunnel

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