<p>Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed joy as 41 workers, initially trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, were successfully rescued after a 17-day operation by dedicated teams on Tuesday (Nov 28).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to X, Gadkari stated: "I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results."</p>

<p>"I express gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation. Deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">सिल्क्यारा टनल बचाव कार्य में शामिल सभी का धन्यवाद। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SilkyaraTunnelRescue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SilkyaraTunnelRescue</a> <a href="https://t.co/H8r0JsRELY">pic.twitter.com/H8r0JsRELY</a></p>
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1729519178971840765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Expressing delight, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated: "It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound. Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long. My heartfelt gratitude to all the people and the agencies that have made tireless efforts to save the lives of our fellow citizens."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound.<br />
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Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long.<br />
<br />
My heartfelt gratitude to all the people and the…</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1729525108619039170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-of-41-workers-pulled-out-of-collapsed-uttarakhand-tunnel-all-to-be-evacuated-in-2-hours-663915">Also read |&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely</a></p>

<p>"I feel extremely happy with the news of safe rescue of all the workers trapped in the tunnel accident in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The whole country was keeping an eye on this operation. The entire country has heaved a sigh of relief with its success. This is a moment of joy for the families of all laborers," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तराखंड के उत्तरकाशी जिले में सुरंग हादसे में फंसे सभी श्रमिक बंधुओं के सुरक्षित बाहर निकल आने के समाचार से मुझे अत्यंत आनंद की अनुभूति हुई है।इस अभियान पर पूरे देश की निगाह लगी हुई थी। इसकी सफलता से पूरे देश ने राहत की साँस ली है। यह घड़ी सभी श्रमिक बंधुओं के परिजनों के लिए…</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1729524273906061345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The safe return of the labor brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is a very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तरकाशी की सिलक्यारा सुरंग में फंसे श्रमिक भाइयों की सुरक्षित वापसी बहुत ही खुशी का समाचार है। उन्हें और उनके परिवारों को मेरी दिली बधाई।<br />
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भारत का निर्माण करने वाले हमारे मज़दूर भाइयों की सुरक्षा सर्वोपरि है। इस मुश्किल अभियान को सफल बनाने वाले सभी जांबाज़ों को मेरा सलाम है।…</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1729535861132595611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Commending the resilience of&nbsp;rescue workers, Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh stated: "After a harrowing 17 days the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are being evacuated. The entire country salutes the remarkable resilience and fortitude of the workers themselves. The nation also applauds the dedication, skill and perseverance of the entire rescue team and thanks them wholeheartedly."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After a harrowing 17 days the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are being evacuated.<br />
<br />
The entire country salutes the remarkable resilience and fortitude of the workers themselves.<br />
<br />
The nation also applauds the dedication, skill and perseverance of the…</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1729514497805635816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is a matter of great relief and joy for all of us that the workers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara, Uttarkashi for the last 17 days were taken out of the tunnel safely today," Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तरकाशी के सिलक्यारा में निर्माणाधीन टनल में पिछले 17 दिनों से फँसे हुए मज़दूरों को आज सकुशल टनल से बाहर निकाला गया ये हम सभी के लिए बेहद राहत और हर्ष की बात है।<br />
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140 करोड़ भारतीयों की प्रार्थना व NDMA समेत सभी एजेंसियों का इतने दिनों से चल रहा ऑपरेशन आख़िरकार कामयाब हुआ, आप…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1729515642288750607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>When and how did the incident occur?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident occurred when a tunnel collapsed on November 12 as part of the Char Dham all-weather road project. The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force promptly intervened, working tirelessly to evacuate the workers.</p>

<p>CM Dhami announced the completion of pipe laying, indicating imminent rescue. Despite challenges like debris obstruction and breakdowns, the teams persevered, passing essential items and communicating with workers via a six-inch pipeline. Anti-depressants and a variety of foods were provided.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-himalayan-tunnel-rescue-successful-billion-prayers-answered-workers-rescued-663963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The use of an endoscopic camera facilitated communication with trapped workers. When the auger machine broke down, vertical and manual drilling methods were employed.</p>

<p>A medical team of 15, including chest specialists, and 12 ambulances were on standby. Prime Minister Modi closely monitored the situation, regularly speaking with CM Dhami and ensuring worker safety inside and outside the tunnel.</p>

<p>The successful rescue marked a significant relief, highlighting the coordinated efforts and commitment of all involved parties.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed joy as 41 workers, initially trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, were successfully rescued after a 17-day operation by dedicated teams on Tuesday (Nov 28).

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed joy as 41 workers, initially trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, were successfully rescued after a 17-day operation by dedicated teams on Tuesday (Nov 28). Taking to X, Gadkari stated: "I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results." "I express gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation. Deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response," he added. सिल्क्यारा टनल बचाव कार्य में शामिल सभी का धन्यवाद। #SilkyaraTunnelRescue pic.twitter.com/H8r0JsRELY — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 28, 2023 × Expressing delight, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated: "It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound. Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long. My heartfelt gratitude to all the people and the agencies that have made tireless efforts to save the lives of our fellow citizens." It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound. Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long. My heartfelt gratitude to all the people and the… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 28, 2023 × Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely "I feel extremely happy with the news of safe rescue of all the workers trapped in the tunnel accident in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The whole country was keeping an eye on this operation. The entire country has heaved a sigh of relief with its success. This is a moment of joy for the families of all laborers," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted. उत्तराखंड के उत्तरकाशी जिले में सुरंग हादसे में फंसे सभी श्रमिक बंधुओं के सुरक्षित बाहर निकल आने के समाचार से मुझे अत्यंत आनंद की अनुभूति हुई है।इस अभियान पर पूरे देश की निगाह लगी हुई थी। इसकी सफलता से पूरे देश ने राहत की साँस ली है। यह घड़ी सभी श्रमिक बंधुओं के परिजनों के लिए… — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 28, 2023 × "The safe return of the labor brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is a very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted. उत्तरकाशी की सिलक्यारा सुरंग में फंसे श्रमिक भाइयों की सुरक्षित वापसी बहुत ही खुशी का समाचार है। उन्हें और उनके परिवारों को मेरी दिली बधाई। भारत का निर्माण करने वाले हमारे मज़दूर भाइयों की सुरक्षा सर्वोपरि है। इस मुश्किल अभियान को सफल बनाने वाले सभी जांबाज़ों को मेरा सलाम है।… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 28, 2023 × Commending the resilience of rescue workers, Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh stated: "After a harrowing 17 days the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are being evacuated. The entire country salutes the remarkable resilience and fortitude of the workers themselves. The nation also applauds the dedication, skill and perseverance of the entire rescue team and thanks them wholeheartedly." After a harrowing 17 days the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are being evacuated. The entire country salutes the remarkable resilience and fortitude of the workers themselves. The nation also applauds the dedication, skill and perseverance of the… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 28, 2023 × "It is a matter of great relief and joy for all of us that the workers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara, Uttarkashi for the last 17 days were taken out of the tunnel safely today," Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted. उत्तरकाशी के सिलक्यारा में निर्माणाधीन टनल में पिछले 17 दिनों से फँसे हुए मज़दूरों को आज सकुशल टनल से बाहर निकाला गया ये हम सभी के लिए बेहद राहत और हर्ष की बात है। 140 करोड़ भारतीयों की प्रार्थना व NDMA समेत सभी एजेंसियों का इतने दिनों से चल रहा ऑपरेशन आख़िरकार कामयाब हुआ, आप… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 28, 2023 × When and how did the incident occur? The incident occurred when a tunnel collapsed on November 12 as part of the Char Dham all-weather road project. The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force promptly intervened, working tirelessly to evacuate the workers. CM Dhami announced the completion of pipe laying, indicating imminent rescue. Despite challenges like debris obstruction and breakdowns, the teams persevered, passing essential items and communicating with workers via a six-inch pipeline. Anti-depressants and a variety of foods were provided. The use of an endoscopic camera facilitated communication with trapped workers. When the auger machine broke down, vertical and manual drilling methods were employed. A medical team of 15, including chest specialists, and 12 ambulances were on standby. Prime Minister Modi closely monitored the situation, regularly speaking with CM Dhami and ensuring worker safety inside and outside the tunnel. The successful rescue marked a significant relief, highlighting the coordinated efforts and commitment of all involved parties. (With inputs from agencies)

India breathes sigh of relief after successful Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operations; reactions pour in

<p>As 41 construction workers still remain trapped in the Sikyara tunnel in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the rescuers are now preparing to&nbsp;use&nbsp;the 'rat-hole mining'&nbsp;technique in order to create an escape passage. Rat hole mining technique is often found to be employed in Meghalaya, the Northeast Indian state. In this technique, holes are drilled in order to mine coal in small quantities.</p>

<p>Trenchless Engineering Services Private Limited and Navayuga Engineers Private Limited have called more than 10 experts for the application of the rat-hole mining technique in a horizontal manner in the collapsed part.</p>

<p>"They will have to drill at least 10 to 12 metres with their own hands. They will mostly use two tools -- hand-held drilling machines to remove the rubble and gas cutters for cutting the iron hurdles," an official said as quoted by Business Standard.</p>

<p>In addition, the Indian Army has been involved in the rescue work.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Manual drilling, multiple strategies for tunnel rescue</strong></p>

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<p>Just last week, as engineers tried to insert a metal pipe horizontally through the rock, it ran into metal girders. This snapped a huge earth-boring auger machine.</p>

<p>"The broken parts of the auger (drilling) machine stuck inside the tunnel have been removed," senior local civil servant Abhishek Ruhela told AFP on Monday. A superheated plasma cutter was used to remove the metal.</p>

<p>"Preparations are being made to start manual drilling work," he added. "Indian Army engineering battalion personnel, along with other rescue officers, are preparing to do rat-hole mining."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-to-workers-rescued-from-uttarakhand-tunnel-enquiries-about-their-well-being-664069">PM Modi speaks to workers rescued from Uttarakhand tunnel, enquiries about their well-being</a></strong></p>

<p>Manual drilling would be a tough task as it will have to be done in a narrow pipe,&nbsp;just wide enough for a crawling man to pass.</p>

<p>"It depends on how the ground behaves," said Chris Cooper, a tunnel expert who is advising the rescuers. He said that they may have to cut through heavy-duty girders that had been meant to hold the collapsed roof up. "We are confident that we can overcome it".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-big-success-says-cm-dhami-after-workers-rescued-663920">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi expresses joy after successful operation</a></strong></p>

<p>A separate effort of vertical drilling is being carried out to reach the men 89 metres below.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Vertical drilling is going on at a fast pace," with teams having reached 19 metres (63 feet) by late Sunday, said Mahmood Ahmed, a top official in the national roads ministry.</p>

<p>Work is ongoing at "full speed but with caution", he added.</p>

<p>The 41 construction workers&nbsp;have been stuck inside the tunnel since November 12. The rescue effort has been slow as several setbacks, like repeated breakdowns of drilling machines, have hampered the work.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As 41 construction workers still remain trapped in the Sikyara tunnel in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the rescuers are now preparing to use the 'rat-hole mining' technique in order to create an escape passage.

As 41 construction workers still remain trapped in the Sikyara tunnel in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the rescuers are now preparing to use the 'rat-hole mining' technique in order to create an escape passage. Rat hole mining technique is often found to be employed in Meghalaya, the Northeast Indian state. In this technique, holes are drilled in order to mine coal in small quantities. Trenchless Engineering Services Private Limited and Navayuga Engineers Private Limited have called more than 10 experts for the application of the rat-hole mining technique in a horizontal manner in the collapsed part. "They will have to drill at least 10 to 12 metres with their own hands. They will mostly use two tools -- hand-held drilling machines to remove the rubble and gas cutters for cutting the iron hurdles," an official said as quoted by Business Standard. In addition, the Indian Army has been involved in the rescue work. Watch | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Manual drilling, multiple strategies for tunnel rescue × Just last week, as engineers tried to insert a metal pipe horizontally through the rock, it ran into metal girders. This snapped a huge earth-boring auger machine. "The broken parts of the auger (drilling) machine stuck inside the tunnel have been removed," senior local civil servant Abhishek Ruhela told AFP on Monday. A superheated plasma cutter was used to remove the metal. "Preparations are being made to start manual drilling work," he added. "Indian Army engineering battalion personnel, along with other rescue officers, are preparing to do rat-hole mining." Also Read | PM Modi speaks to workers rescued from Uttarakhand tunnel, enquiries about their well-being Manual drilling would be a tough task as it will have to be done in a narrow pipe, just wide enough for a crawling man to pass. "It depends on how the ground behaves," said Chris Cooper, a tunnel expert who is advising the rescuers. He said that they may have to cut through heavy-duty girders that had been meant to hold the collapsed roof up. "We are confident that we can overcome it". Also Read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi expresses joy after successful operation A separate effort of vertical drilling is being carried out to reach the men 89 metres below. "Vertical drilling is going on at a fast pace," with teams having reached 19 metres (63 feet) by late Sunday, said Mahmood Ahmed, a top official in the national roads ministry. Work is ongoing at "full speed but with caution", he added. The 41 construction workers have been stuck inside the tunnel since November 12. The rescue effort has been slow as several setbacks, like repeated breakdowns of drilling machines, have hampered the work. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: 'Rat hole mining' technique to be employed to free workers

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India breathes sigh of relief after successful Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operations; reactions pour in

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: 'Rat hole mining' technique to be employed to free workers