Immediate rescue operation started after tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi

In a dramatic turn of events, the Silkyara tunnel on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road collapsed, trapping around 40 laborers under the debris. The incident, which occurred between 6 am and 7 am, has prompted an immediate rescue operation to save those trapped inside.

Rescue teams including the Provincial Guard (PRD) and loader operators are working tirelessly to remove debris from the affected tunnel, using heavy machinery such as excavators. The collapse affected 30-35 meters of the under-construction route, leading to a scramble to ensure the safety of the trapped workers.

PRD’s Ranveer Singh Chauhan said that communication has been successfully established with the workers, giving a ray of hope to the ongoing rescue efforts. Mrityunjay Kumar, a key figure in the operation, stressed that de-cluttering work is underway, indicating progress in the mission.

The demolished section is part of the Char Dham All Weather Road project, underscoring the importance of the tunnel in the infrastructure of the region. The affected laborers hailing from different states are now the focus of a coordinated rescue operation led by State Disaster Response Team, police and with additional support from Border Roads Organization and Indo-Tibetan Border Police teams. In the recent update, oxygen is being supplied to the collapsed area through water pipes to ensure that the trapped workers can breathe easily. The gravity of the situation requires prompt and effective rescue efforts to protect lives and restart the critical infrastructure project