“Race Against Time: Dramatic rescue efforts unfold in Uttarkashi tunnel tragedy”

New Delhi: In a gripping tale of survival and resilience, the hilly terrain of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, has become the backdrop for a daring rescue operation after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers in its dark depths.

Facing setbacks that could rival a Hollywood thriller, initial plans to drill horizontally and save lives were disrupted when auger drill blades broke, causing a tense halt to operations on November 24. Went. But hope returns in the form of Plasma and Magna Rod Cutters. The machines heroically removed the stuck auger blade, allowing Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to announce on Monday that the auger machine had been completely freed.

Micro-tunneling expert Chris Cooper highlighted the remaining 9 meters of tunneling to be done by hand, expressing confidence with caution, based on the unpredictable behavior of the ground. Meanwhile, the Army, steadfast in its supervisory role, oversaw 30 meters of vertical drilling, and overcame obstacles in a high-risk rescue.

 work is underway on alternative options, including an ambitious plan to lay 1.2-metre-wide pipes for vertical exhaust. With each passing moment, the combined efforts of international tunnel experts, armed forces and local authorities are a testament to the indomitable spirit of rescue and solidarity, racing against time to bring the trapped workers back to the surface.

Day by Day Development: Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Operation

Day 1 – 12 November: Tunnel collapse and initial response

41 laborers were trapped due to the collapse of Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel on Chardham road. The district administration started the rescue operation.

Day 2 – 13 November: Establishing relationships and new challenges

CM Pushkar Dhami visited the spot.  Contact with the trapped laborers was established through the oxygen supply pipe. Debris continued to fall, creating challenges.

Day 3 – 14 November: Auger machine and injuries

Try using auger machine and steel pipe for horizontal digging. Two workers were injured by falling debris. Food, water, oxygen, electricity and medicines were provided to the stranded workers.

Day 4 – 15 November: Request for state-of-the-art auger machine

NHIDCL has demanded state-of-the-art auger machine from Delhi. The machine was airlifted to speed up the operation.

Day 5 – 16 November: New drilling machine in operation

The new drilling machine was assembled and installed. The operation starts working after midnight.

Day 6 – 17 November: Progress and obstacles

The drilling machine moves forward approximately 24 meters in a distance of 57 meters. Four MS pipes were inserted. The operation was stopped due to blockage in the fifth pipe. High performance auger machine was purchased from Indore.

Day 7 – 18 November: Crackling sound and evacuation plan

Sounds of thunder were heard in the tunnel. The operation was immediately suspended. Officials explore five evacuation plans simultaneously, including vertical drilling.

Day 8 – November 19: Reviews and Advantages of Horizontal Drilling

Drilling is still suspended. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the rescue operation. Horizontal drilling with an auger machine was considered the best option.

Day 9 – 20 November: PM Modi’s phone call and alternative tunnel

PM Narendra Modi talked to CM Dhami, laid emphasis on morale. First video of trapped laborers released. Due to the two blasts at the Balakot end, another tunnel was dug as an alternative.

Day 10 – 21 November: Progress and explosion

Horizontal drilling of 800 mm diameter steel pipes reaches approximately 45 meters. Out of the 57 meter debris portion, only 12 meters remains. Drilling is hampered when iron rods obstruct the auger machine. Two blasts to dig second tunnel in Balakot.

Day 11 – 22 November: Iron rods hinder progress

Horizontal drilling reaches approximately 45 metres. Progress stops when the iron rods obstruct the auger machine.

Day 12 – November 23: Obstacles overcome and setbacks overcome

The iron blockage that caused the six-hour delay has been removed. Rescue operations resumed after reaching the 48 meter point. Boring has been stopped due to debris after cracks appeared in the platform.

Day 13 – November 24: Auger Machine Obstruction

Drilling stopped again because the auger machine encountered an obstacle, apparently a metal object.

Day 14 – 25 November: Dismantling the auger machine and considering alternatives

International tunneling expert Arnold Dix said that the auger machine has broken down. Consideration of alternative options including vertical and manual drilling.

Day 15 – 26 November: Drilling above the Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel

The rescue team has started drilling in the hill above the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel. The aim is to drill 86 meters down to reach the tunnel.Heavy drilling equipment reaches approximately 19.5 metres. Two BRO officers were injured in the collision near the Silkyara tunnel site.

The saga continues every day with new challenges, setbacks and the tireless determination of the rescue teams in their efforts to rescue the trapped workers.