Uttarakhand Tunnel Disaster: A Race Against Time As Rescuers Bank On 900mm Diameter Pipes To Pave Narrow Path For Trapped Workers

Efforts are underway for the challenging rescue of 40 workers trapped in a Uttarakhand tunnel for over 48 hours.

The tunnel collapse occurred on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, part of the Chardham project.

Despite continuous work, progress has been slow in clearing rocks that fell over a 200-metre area, obstructing the tunnel.

Rescuers aim to create a 40-metre escape passage, having removed 21 metres of debris so far. Plans involve using a 900 mm diameter pipe to create a passage for the trapped workers.

An auger machine and necessary equipment have been deployed, with experts from the irrigation department aiding the operation.

This tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, joins Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi and is expected to cut down the distance by 26 km.

The workers, hailing from various states, are unharmed in a buffer zone and are in contact with rescuers.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation though initial reports suggest the cause to be landslides.