Tunnel collapse: Govt committed to rescue all trapped workers, says MoRTH Secretary
economictimes.indiatimes.comSilkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi safely as it undertakes a five-option action plan to rescue 41 workers trapped since November 12, ministry of road transport and highways secretary Anurag Jain said on Sunday.
Over 40 workers got trapped after a portion of the tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed eight days back.
“Considering the lives involved, it was decided to move on all possible fronts together so that the workers can be rescued as early as possible,” Jain said, adding five options have been decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options.
“The government is keeping constant communication and making all efforts to keep up the morale of the labourers trapped inside the tunnel,” he said.
According to Jain, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is creating another 6-inch pipeline for food and drilling of 39 metre out of 60 metre is completed. “Once this tunnel is ready, it will facilitate delivery of more food items,” he said.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is working on another vertical pipeline for supply for essential items while the Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation (THDC) shall start work of micro tunnelling from Barkot end for which heavy machinery has already been mobilised, Jain said.
“Besides, Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) will do the vertical drilling to rescue the trapped labourers while ONGC, having expertise in deep drilling, has also started the initial work for vertical drilling from Barkot end,” Jain added.
