<p>The 400-hour Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation in India ended with emotional tears and smiles, as the 41 workers – who were trapped in the Silkyara tunnel – emerged alive and safe from the dark hole.</p>

<p>But the first ones to greet these trapped but hopeful workers were the rat-hole miners who had been drilling for long with their hands with the aim of safely evacuating the trapped workers from the tunnel.</p>

<p>The miners only had smiles on their faces once the workers emerged and all their exhaustion from digging the tunnel was overpowered by their happiness.</p>

<p>"The workers were so happy seeing us. They hugged us and offered us almonds," said one of the miners, Devendra, while speaking to NDTV. "We cut 15 metres. We were very happy when we reached there and got a glimpse of them," said another miner.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<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">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely</a></p>

<p>Expressing the happiness of success achieved in the rescue operation, one of the SDRF workers said to news agency ANI, "It is a big day for us today. All the workers have finally been rescued successfully. It was a very difficult operation. All the trapped workers are healthy and safe."</p>

<h2><strong>Rescuers resort to 'banned practice' of rat-hole mining</strong></h2>

<p>The banned practice of rat-hole mining was adopted by the rescuers after an imported, high-tech drilling machine stopped working in the last leg of the operation. Then, the miners started manually drilling their way towards the trapped workers.</p>

<p>"They worked very hard. We were convinced that we must rescue the trapped workers. This was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. They worked 24 hours non-stop to bring them out," the team leader said, as reported by NDTV.</p>

<p>Speaking about the role of the rat-hole miners, Uttarakhand Chief Minister in a press conference said, "Machines kept getting busted, but I want to thank the manual miners. I even met the workers who were trapped. They said they faced no problem inside the tunnel.”</p>

<p>When National Disaster Management Authority's Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retired) was questioned regarding resorting to the illegal technique of rat-hole mining in a press conference, he said, "The rat-hole mining may be illegal but a rat-hole miner's talent and experience is being used.”</p>

<p>“This is a special situation where we have to save lives. They are technicians and we are using their skills and their capabilities to rescue the workers," another official added.</p>

<h2><strong>No tunnel is too difficult, says Anand Mahindra</strong></h2>

<p>As the rescue operation emerged successful, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra took to X to appreciate the workers and said that they had reminded everyone "that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: All workers safe, rescue team conducting mock drills says NDRF&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-tunnel-collapse-all-workers-safe-rescue-team-conducting-mock-drills-says-ndrf-wion-663927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"It's time for gratitude. Thank you to EVERY single person who worked tirelessly over the past 17 days to save these 41 precious lives. More than any sporting victory could have, you have uplifted the spirits of a country &amp; united us in our hope. You've reminded us that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from, no task is impossible when our actions &amp; prayers are collaborative &amp; collective. #Uttarakhand," he wrote on the microblogging platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s time for gratitude. Thank you to EVERY single person who worked tirelessly over the past 17 days to save these 41 precious lives. More than any sporting victory could have, you have uplifted the spirits of a country &amp; united us in our hope. You’ve reminded us that no tunnel… <a href="https://t.co/ZSTRZAAJOl">https://t.co/ZSTRZAAJOl</a></p>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1729513285676851509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>After 17 days of the rescue operation, the 41 workers were evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel in the Uttarkashi district of India's Uttarakhand, which had collapsed on November 12.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The 400-hour Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation in India ended with emotional tears and smiles, as the 41 workers – who were trapped in the Silkyara tunnel – emerged alive and safe from the dark hole.

The 400-hour Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation in India ended with emotional tears and smiles, as the 41 workers – who were trapped in the Silkyara tunnel – emerged alive and safe from the dark hole. But the first ones to greet these trapped but hopeful workers were the rat-hole miners who had been drilling for long with their hands with the aim of safely evacuating the trapped workers from the tunnel. The miners only had smiles on their faces once the workers emerged and all their exhaustion from digging the tunnel was overpowered by their happiness. "The workers were so happy seeing us. They hugged us and offered us almonds," said one of the miners, Devendra, while speaking to NDTV. "We cut 15 metres. We were very happy when we reached there and got a glimpse of them," said another miner. Also read: Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely Expressing the happiness of success achieved in the rescue operation, one of the SDRF workers said to news agency ANI, "It is a big day for us today. All the workers have finally been rescued successfully. It was a very difficult operation. All the trapped workers are healthy and safe." Rescuers resort to 'banned practice' of rat-hole mining The banned practice of rat-hole mining was adopted by the rescuers after an imported, high-tech drilling machine stopped working in the last leg of the operation. Then, the miners started manually drilling their way towards the trapped workers. "They worked very hard. We were convinced that we must rescue the trapped workers. This was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. They worked 24 hours non-stop to bring them out," the team leader said, as reported by NDTV. Speaking about the role of the rat-hole miners, Uttarakhand Chief Minister in a press conference said, "Machines kept getting busted, but I want to thank the manual miners. I even met the workers who were trapped. They said they faced no problem inside the tunnel.” When National Disaster Management Authority's Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retired) was questioned regarding resorting to the illegal technique of rat-hole mining in a press conference, he said, "The rat-hole mining may be illegal but a rat-hole miner's talent and experience is being used.” “This is a special situation where we have to save lives. They are technicians and we are using their skills and their capabilities to rescue the workers," another official added. No tunnel is too difficult, says Anand Mahindra As the rescue operation emerged successful, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra took to X to appreciate the workers and said that they had reminded everyone "that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from". Watch: Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: All workers safe, rescue team conducting mock drills says NDRF "It's time for gratitude. Thank you to EVERY single person who worked tirelessly over the past 17 days to save these 41 precious lives. More than any sporting victory could have, you have uplifted the spirits of a country & united us in our hope. You've reminded us that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from, no task is impossible when our actions & prayers are collaborative & collective. #Uttarakhand," he wrote on the microblogging platform. It’s time for gratitude. Thank you to EVERY single person who worked tirelessly over the past 17 days to save these 41 precious lives. More than any sporting victory could have, you have uplifted the spirits of a country & united us in our hope. You’ve reminded us that no tunnel… https://t.co/ZSTRZAAJOl — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) November 28, 2023 × After 17 days of the rescue operation, the 41 workers were evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel in the Uttarkashi district of India's Uttarakhand, which had collapsed on November 12. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique

<p>For nearly a week, 40 workers have been trapped in an under-construction tunnel in India's mountainous state of Uttarakhand due to a landslide that demolished its entrance.</p>

<p>Rescue efforts, including attempts to insert wide pipes for the workers to crawl through, have been ongoing since November 12. The trapped labourers have been supplied with oxygen, food, and water through a pipe and are responsive, according to local authorities. They have also been given antidepressants to support them in managing the emotional impact of their ordeal.</p>

<p>In the latest, rescue personnel engaged in drilling operations are nearing a successful breakthrough, according to officials. As of Wednesday evening (Nov 22), authorities expressed confidence that the workers could be freed by Thursday afternoon (Nov 23).</p>

<p>First visuals of the trapped labourers were released&nbsp;after ten days of intense rescue efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A camera, inserted through a six-inch pipe placed in the debris which is also being used to deliver food to the labourers&nbsp;captured their images.</p>

<p>The labourers, donning hard hats and work gear with thick beards, were seen waving to the camera, conveying that they are handling the situation well. Rescue officials, communicating with the workers through Walkie Talkies or radio handsets, were heard&nbsp;instructing the workers to step in front of the camera.</p>

<p><em>"Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein</em> (come in front of the camera and talk to us through walkie talkie)",&nbsp;an official urged them.</p>

<p>"We will bring you out safely, do not worry," rescuers were heard telling the labourers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the first visuals here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">सिलक्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन सुरंग के अंदर फँसे श्रमिकों से पहली बार एंडोस्कोपिक फ्लेक्सी कैमरे के माध्यम से बातचीत कर उनका कुशलक्षेम पूछा गया। सभी श्रमिक बंधु पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं। <a href="https://t.co/vcr28EHx8g">pic.twitter.com/vcr28EHx8g</a></p>
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) <a href="https://twitter.com/pushkardhami/status/1726799913307312211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tunnel is a crucial segment of the flagship Char Dham highway programme, a project covering nearly 900 kilometres&nbsp;designed to enhance the travel experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting local Hindu temples.</p>

<p>This incident, the latest in a series of disasters in the Himalayan state in recent years, highlights the inherent risks of construction in this geologically sensitive region. Critics contend that the construction of dams, roads, and other significant infrastructure in the area contributes to the increased frequency and severity of such incidents.</p>

<p>Over the years, scientists have scrutinised these large-scale infrastructure projects, citing the damage they bring about to the planet’s youngest mountain range.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-efforts-underway-to-save-41-workers-stuck-will-take-4-5-days-to-rescue-660375">Also read |&nbsp;Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers, will take 4-5 days, says official</a></p>

<p>"These areas need to be investigated first,&nbsp;the geology of the area needs to be understood before you start excavating an area. No proper environmental or geological assessment has been done there," <strong>renowned geologist, Dr CP Rajendran told WION</strong>.</p>

<p>None of the local contractors digging these tunnels understand the geology of the area. The Char Dham project, in particular, has not undertaken any proper environmental assessment, he said.</p>

<p>The dangers of large-scale development are exacerbated by climate change, with scientists indicating that the Himalayas are experiencing warming at a significantly faster pace than the rest of the planet.</p>

<p>Asked if it was okay to undertake such a massive project like the Uttarkashi tunnel, Dr Rajendran answered with a "no".</p>

<p>"You cannot have a massive project like this on a terrain like the Himalayas. These are not the Alps. The Himalayas are a young, dynamic, and growing mountain range, and the terrain itself is under tremendous pressure," he added.</p>

<p>According to a 2021 study conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and published in the Journal of Earth Systems, more than half of Uttarakhand, specifically 51 per cent, which includes Uttarkashi, is identified as being in 'high and very high' landslide-prone zones.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescuers considering opening vertical shaft to free 41 men&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-tunnel-collapse-rescuers-considering-opening-vertical-shaft-to-free-41-men-world-dna-660624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Experts argue that the mishap could also be attributed to the natural composition of the rocks.</p>

<p>The Silkyara tunnel is being built in an area comprising limestone and other soft rocks that have a tendency to collapse, explained Dr Rajendran.</p>

<p>"Since limestone is highly reactive to water, it tends to lose its rock mass in the long term and cannot handle the pressure from these big-scale construction activities," he said.</p>

<p>As the ongoing rescue operations unfold, the entire nation watches with bated breath, hopeful for the safe rescue of the trapped workers. Yet, the overarching danger of tunneling through the fragile Himalayan landscape continues to cast a shadow of concern.</p>


For nearly a week, 40 workers have been trapped in an under-construction tunnel in India's mountainous state of Uttarakhand due to a landslide that demolished its entrance.

For nearly a week, 40 workers have been trapped in an under-construction tunnel in India's mountainous state of Uttarakhand due to a landslide that demolished its entrance. Rescue efforts, including attempts to insert wide pipes for the workers to crawl through, have been ongoing since November 12. The trapped labourers have been supplied with oxygen, food, and water through a pipe and are responsive, according to local authorities. They have also been given antidepressants to support them in managing the emotional impact of their ordeal. In the latest, rescue personnel engaged in drilling operations are nearing a successful breakthrough, according to officials. As of Wednesday evening (Nov 22), authorities expressed confidence that the workers could be freed by Thursday afternoon (Nov 23). First visuals of the trapped labourers were released after ten days of intense rescue efforts. A camera, inserted through a six-inch pipe placed in the debris which is also being used to deliver food to the labourers captured their images. The labourers, donning hard hats and work gear with thick beards, were seen waving to the camera, conveying that they are handling the situation well. Rescue officials, communicating with the workers through Walkie Talkies or radio handsets, were heard instructing the workers to step in front of the camera. "Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein (come in front of the camera and talk to us through walkie talkie)", an official urged them. "We will bring you out safely, do not worry," rescuers were heard telling the labourers. Watch the first visuals here: सिलक्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन सुरंग के अंदर फँसे श्रमिकों से पहली बार एंडोस्कोपिक फ्लेक्सी कैमरे के माध्यम से बातचीत कर उनका कुशलक्षेम पूछा गया। सभी श्रमिक बंधु पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं। pic.twitter.com/vcr28EHx8g — Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 21, 2023 × The tunnel is a crucial segment of the flagship Char Dham highway programme, a project covering nearly 900 kilometres designed to enhance the travel experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting local Hindu temples. This incident, the latest in a series of disasters in the Himalayan state in recent years, highlights the inherent risks of construction in this geologically sensitive region. Critics contend that the construction of dams, roads, and other significant infrastructure in the area contributes to the increased frequency and severity of such incidents. Over the years, scientists have scrutinised these large-scale infrastructure projects, citing the damage they bring about to the planet’s youngest mountain range. Also read | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers, will take 4-5 days, says official "These areas need to be investigated first, the geology of the area needs to be understood before you start excavating an area. No proper environmental or geological assessment has been done there," renowned geologist, Dr CP Rajendran told WION. None of the local contractors digging these tunnels understand the geology of the area. The Char Dham project, in particular, has not undertaken any proper environmental assessment, he said. The dangers of large-scale development are exacerbated by climate change, with scientists indicating that the Himalayas are experiencing warming at a significantly faster pace than the rest of the planet. Asked if it was okay to undertake such a massive project like the Uttarkashi tunnel, Dr Rajendran answered with a "no". "You cannot have a massive project like this on a terrain like the Himalayas. These are not the Alps. The Himalayas are a young, dynamic, and growing mountain range, and the terrain itself is under tremendous pressure," he added. According to a 2021 study conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and published in the Journal of Earth Systems, more than half of Uttarakhand, specifically 51 per cent, which includes Uttarkashi, is identified as being in 'high and very high' landslide-prone zones. Also watch | Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescuers considering opening vertical shaft to free 41 men Experts argue that the mishap could also be attributed to the natural composition of the rocks. The Silkyara tunnel is being built in an area comprising limestone and other soft rocks that have a tendency to collapse, explained Dr Rajendran. "Since limestone is highly reactive to water, it tends to lose its rock mass in the long term and cannot handle the pressure from these big-scale construction activities," he said. As the ongoing rescue operations unfold, the entire nation watches with bated breath, hopeful for the safe rescue of the trapped workers. Yet, the overarching danger of tunneling through the fragile Himalayan landscape continues to cast a shadow of concern.

'Himalayas are not Alps': Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder 'not to mess' with world's youngest mountains

<p>Rescuers on Tuesday (Nov 21) released the first video of workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in north Indian Uttarakhand. The workers have been trapped inside the tunnel for 10 days now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rescue authorities managed to capture images through an endoscopy camera, which came from New Delhi late on Monday evening. The camera was sent inside the tunnel through a six-inch pipe which was used to send food items a day earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rescue officials also spoke to some workers through Walkie Talkies or radio handsets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himalayas-are-not-alps-uttarkashi-tunnel-mishap-is-a-reminder-not-to-mess-with-worlds-youngest-mountains-660743">'Himalayas are not Alps': Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder 'not to mess' with world's youngest mountains</a></strong></p>

<p>The footage showed the workers wearing yellow and white helmets, receiving food items sent to them through the pipeline and talking to each other. The rescue officials were also seen asking the workers to come in front of the camera so that authorities would get a fair idea of the exact status of the labourers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An official asked them: "Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein (it loosely translates to English as: Come in front of the camera and talk to us through Walkie Talkie)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video from inside the cave emerged as a breakthrough for the rescue workers who are racing against time to save the labourers and also came as a big relief to the families of these workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | First visuals of the trapped workers emerge as the rescue team tries to establish contact with them. The endoscopic flexi camera reached the trapped workers. <a href="https://t.co/5VBzSicR6A">pic.twitter.com/5VBzSicR6A</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1726791980787867944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-books-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-over-threats-to-air-india-passengers-660827">NIA books Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun over threats to Air India passengers</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The collapse occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to a muck falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anshu Manish Khalkho, director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had earlier said that cameras would be inserted through the pipeline to see how the workers were doing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix said on Monday,&nbsp;"We are going to get those men out. Great work is being done here. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out. A lot of work is being done."&nbsp;</p>


Rescuers on Tuesday (Nov 21) released the first video of workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in north Indian Uttarakhand. The workers have been trapped inside the tunnel for 10 days now.

Rescuers on Tuesday (Nov 21) released the first video of workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in north Indian Uttarakhand. The workers have been trapped inside the tunnel for 10 days now. The rescue authorities managed to capture images through an endoscopy camera, which came from New Delhi late on Monday evening. The camera was sent inside the tunnel through a six-inch pipe which was used to send food items a day earlier. The rescue officials also spoke to some workers through Walkie Talkies or radio handsets. Also read: 'Himalayas are not Alps': Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder 'not to mess' with world's youngest mountains The footage showed the workers wearing yellow and white helmets, receiving food items sent to them through the pipeline and talking to each other. The rescue officials were also seen asking the workers to come in front of the camera so that authorities would get a fair idea of the exact status of the labourers. An official asked them: "Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein (it loosely translates to English as: Come in front of the camera and talk to us through Walkie Talkie)." The video from inside the cave emerged as a breakthrough for the rescue workers who are racing against time to save the labourers and also came as a big relief to the families of these workers. Watch the video here: #WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | First visuals of the trapped workers emerge as the rescue team tries to establish contact with them. The endoscopic flexi camera reached the trapped workers. pic.twitter.com/5VBzSicR6A — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2023 × Also read: NIA books Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun over threats to Air India passengers The collapse occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to a muck falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel. Anshu Manish Khalkho, director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had earlier said that cameras would be inserted through the pipeline to see how the workers were doing. International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix said on Monday, "We are going to get those men out. Great work is being done here. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out. A lot of work is being done."

WATCH I Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: First visuals of trapped workers taken via endoscopic camera released

<p>India has asked for advice from the Thai company that successfully rescued children from a flooded cave in 2018 as it races against time to save 40 men trapped in a road tunnel, officials were cited as saying on Wednesday (Nov 15).</p>

<p>Indian excavators have been removing the debris since Sunday morning (Nov 12) from a site in Uttarakhand state to create an escape tunnel for the workers, all of whom are currently alive.</p>

<p>Officials have "contacted the Thai company which rescued the children trapped in the cave", Uttarakhand's department of public relations said in an official statement while referring to a rescue operation to rescue 12 boys from a junior football team and their coach who were trapped for more than two weeks in the Tham Luang cave complex in 2018.</p>

<h2><strong>State govt reaches&nbsp;out to experts from Norway&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Uttarakhand state authorities have also asked for help from the engineering experts in soil and rock mechanics at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute as efforts to free the men continued into a fourth day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-mishap-how-will-a-3-ft-pipe-rescue-trapped-labourers-658688">Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: How will a 3-ft pipe rescue trapped labourers?</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, medicine was sent to the 40 men trapped in the road tunnel they were building.</p>

<p>"After consultation with doctors, medicine has been sent to the workers through pipes," police officer Prashant Kumar was quoted as saying by the AFP from the site. "Contact is being maintained with the workers."</p>

<h2><b>Rescue ops continue on 'war footing'</b></h2>

<p>Food and oxygen had also been sent to the trapped workers, he said.</p>

<p>The pace of drilling was "slow because of natural causes", but efforts were being made on a "war footing", Uttarakhand state police chief Ashok Kumar said in a statement on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The air force on Wednesday flew in a second drilling machine on a C-130 Hercules military plane on Wednesday to "speed up rescue work" after the first one broke down, he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescue mission enters day 4</strong></p>

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<p>Engineers are using heavy machinery to drive a steel pipe about 90 centimetres (nearly three feet) wide through the debris, wide enough for the trapped men to get out from.</p>

<p>"We should keep our patience and trust," Ashok Kumar was quoted as saying by the AFP.</p>

<p>"I am sure that we will rescue all the labourers."</p>

<p>The 4.5-kilometre (2.7-mile) tunnel was being constructed between the towns of Silkyara and Dandalgaon to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest Hindu shrines.</p>

<p>The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's road project aimed at improving travel conditions between some of the most popular Hindu shrines in the country as well as areas along the Line of Actual Control with China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has asked for advice from the Thai company that successfully rescued children from a flooded cave in 2018 as it races against time to save 40 men trapped in a road tunnel, officials were cited as saying on Wednesday (Nov 15).

India has asked for advice from the Thai company that successfully rescued children from a flooded cave in 2018 as it races against time to save 40 men trapped in a road tunnel, officials were cited as saying on Wednesday (Nov 15). Indian excavators have been removing the debris since Sunday morning (Nov 12) from a site in Uttarakhand state to create an escape tunnel for the workers, all of whom are currently alive. Officials have "contacted the Thai company which rescued the children trapped in the cave", Uttarakhand's department of public relations said in an official statement while referring to a rescue operation to rescue 12 boys from a junior football team and their coach who were trapped for more than two weeks in the Tham Luang cave complex in 2018. State govt reaches out to experts from Norway The Uttarakhand state authorities have also asked for help from the engineering experts in soil and rock mechanics at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute as efforts to free the men continued into a fourth day. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: How will a 3-ft pipe rescue trapped labourers? On Wednesday, medicine was sent to the 40 men trapped in the road tunnel they were building. "After consultation with doctors, medicine has been sent to the workers through pipes," police officer Prashant Kumar was quoted as saying by the AFP from the site. "Contact is being maintained with the workers." Rescue ops continue on 'war footing' Food and oxygen had also been sent to the trapped workers, he said. The pace of drilling was "slow because of natural causes", but efforts were being made on a "war footing", Uttarakhand state police chief Ashok Kumar said in a statement on Wednesday. The air force on Wednesday flew in a second drilling machine on a C-130 Hercules military plane on Wednesday to "speed up rescue work" after the first one broke down, he said. Also watch | Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescue mission enters day 4 × Engineers are using heavy machinery to drive a steel pipe about 90 centimetres (nearly three feet) wide through the debris, wide enough for the trapped men to get out from. "We should keep our patience and trust," Ashok Kumar was quoted as saying by the AFP. "I am sure that we will rescue all the labourers." The 4.5-kilometre (2.7-mile) tunnel was being constructed between the towns of Silkyara and Dandalgaon to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest Hindu shrines. The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's road project aimed at improving travel conditions between some of the most popular Hindu shrines in the country as well as areas along the Line of Actual Control with China. (With inputs from agencies)

India contacts Thai cave rescue experts while racing against time to save Uttarakhand tunnel workers