Rescue Operations Intensify at Silkyara Tunnel Collapse Site in Uttarkashi

TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Nov 20, 2023: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a press release providing updates on the ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, where 41 workers are trapped since the collapse on November 12, 2023. Here are the latest developments as of 6:00 PM on November 20, 2023:

Current Situation:
Rescue operations are in full swing, with a focus on saving the lives of the 41 trapped workers. The Government is maintaining constant communication and making all possible efforts to keep up the morale of the workers inside the 2 km-built tunnel portion.

The trapped workers are in a 2 km portion of the tunnel where concrete work is complete, ensuring their safety. This section has access to electricity and water, and food items and medicines are provided through a 4-inch compressor pipeline. Today, a major breakthrough was achieved as NHIDCL completed drilling of another 6-inch diameter pipeline for the supply of essential items.

Various government agencies are actively involved in the rescue operation, each assigned specific tasks to ensure the safe evacuation of the workers.

Construction of Vertical Rescue Tunnel Updates:

1. Horizontal boring by NHIDCL from Silkyara end for the rescue of workers using an Augur boring machine is set to recommence today evening.
2. The first machine for the construction of the Vertical Rescue Tunnel has reached the site, with operations commencing after the completion of the access road by BRO.
3. Two other machines for vertical tunnel construction are in transit from Gujarat and Odisha via road.
4. Work on the construction of a 480-meter rescue tunnel from Barkot end by THDC has begun.
5. Machinery for micro-tunneling by RVNL through horizontal drilling is being transported from Nashik and Delhi.
6. Machinery for vertical boring is being mobilized by ONGC from the USA, Mumbai, and Ghaziabad.

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has played a commendable role in constructing approach roads for vertical drilling by RVNL and SJVNL within 48 hours. Further work is ongoing for the approach road for ONGC.

Background:
The collapse occurred on November 12, 2023, in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to muck falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side. The State Government and the Government of India immediately mobilized resources for the rescue.

Initially, a 900 mm pipe was planned through the muck as the best and fastest solution. However, due to ground movement on November 17, 2023, this option became unsafe without securing the structure. Considering the safety of the workers, multiple options were pursued simultaneously.

The trapped area is 8.5 meters high and 2 km long, where concreting work has provided safety to the laborers. Five different agencies—ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL—have been assigned specific responsibilities.

NHIDCL is working on another 6-inch pipeline for food supply, with 39 meters out of 60 meters drilled. RVNL is constructing a vertical pipeline for essential items, and THDC is undertaking micro-tunneling from Barkot end. SJVNL is implementing vertical drilling, mobilizing equipment from Gujarat and Odisha.

ONGC, with expertise in deep drilling, has initiated vertical drilling from the Barkot end. The operations are ongoing with a focus on ensuring the safety of workers throughout the rescue efforts.