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<p>Forty-one construction workers who were trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for 16 days in the Indian State of Uttarakhand were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The construction workers had been trapped since Nov 12 after&nbsp;the under-construction tunnel collapsed following a landslide. It was sixteen days of day and night efforts by government agencies to rescue them.</p>

<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed joy over the workers being rescued from the tunnel site.&nbsp;"We have begun bringing the workers out...," he said in a post on X when eight of the workers were brought out of the tunnel.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-live-vertical-drilling-of-36-meters-completed-say-officials-663572">Click here to follow all updates on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तरकाशी में हमारे श्रमिक भाइयों के रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन की सफलता हर किसी को भावुक कर देने वाली है।<br />
<br />
टनल में जो साथी फंसे हुए थे, उनसे मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि आपका साहस और धैर्य हर किसी को प्रेरित कर रहा है। मैं आप सभी की कुशलता और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य की कामना करता हूं।<br />
<br />
यह अत्यंत…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1729521654584479876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sharing a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the courage and patience of the trapped workers inspired everyone. "I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation," Prime Minister Modi added.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the timeline so far:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 12:&nbsp;</strong>Forty-one workers were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed following a landslide. The rescue operation started immediately and authorities said that all the trapped construction workers were safe and basic supplies like oxygen, food, and water were being given to them.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 13:</strong>&nbsp;Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the incident spot and took stock of the situation. Excavators had&nbsp;been removing debris to carve out a path to reach the workers. "There is enough water while oxygen and food for instant energy like dry fruits are being supplied to them," a disaster management official told Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 14:</strong>&nbsp;Excavators started drilling with the help of auger machinery to fix a wide steel pipe that would help pull out the trapped workers. A team of geologists from the state government and educational institutions had arrived to determine the cause of the accident. Families of the trapped workers urge swift rescue operation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttarkashi tunnel rescue | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the workers who have been rescued from inside the Silkyara tunnel. <a href="https://t.co/8fgMiHPkAD">pic.twitter.com/8fgMiHPkAD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1729516914131829216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&gt; Nov 15:&nbsp;</strong>Falling debris hampers rescue efforts. Workers remained safe with food, water, and oxygen being supplied through a pipe. Dozen workers outside the Silkyara tunnel called for their colleagues to be rescued quickly.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 16:</strong>&nbsp;A new drilling machine was installed after the National Highways &amp; Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was dissatisfied with the first one. Ranjit Sinha, the top disaster management officer in Uttarakhand, told Reuters the new machine would cut through the debris at 2.5 metres an hour, as opposed to one metre using the previous machine.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 17:&nbsp;</strong>Rescuers drill through 24 metres of debris. Four millimetre (mm) pipes are inserted into the tunnel. However, the rescue efforts are hampered when one of the pipes hits an obstacle. A report from the NHIDCL said that during efforts to restart the drilling machine, a "large-scale cracking sound" was heard which created a situation of panic in the tunnel.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 18:</strong>&nbsp;Drilling remains&nbsp;suspended. The workers remained safe and were able to establish communication via radios. Protesting workers alleged rescue teams were keeping them in the dark about the pace of progress of the rescue.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 19:</strong>&nbsp;Drilling remains&nbsp;suspended. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the rescue operation and said that boring horizontally with the huge auger machine appeared to be the best option.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 20:</strong>&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Chief Minister Dhami to review the progress of the rescue operation. Experts surveyed the collapse site to gather information about the tunnel collapse from every angle and later discussed possible routes of rescue for the trapped workers. Rescuers pushed through a new pipeline to the trapped workers. They had been relying on nuts, puffed rice, chickpeas and other dry food via a smaller pipe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 21:</strong>&nbsp;Authorities released the first video of the 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel after a camera was sent into the tunnel through a new pipeline. Two explosions were carried out at the Balakot end of the tunnel. Workers were told to practise yoga and meditation for anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 22:&nbsp;</strong>Rescue teams drilled 32 metres of an estimated 60 metres that must be cleared to push through a pipe wide enough for the workers to crawl out. However, drilling was hampered after some iron rods came in the way of the auger machine.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 23:</strong>&nbsp;Drilling resumed and ambulances and medical support were kept on standby. Rescue operation entered the final stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 24:</strong>&nbsp;Rescue efforts were again hampered after the auger machine faced a hurdle, soon after the drilling resumed.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 25:&nbsp;</strong>A rescue official told Reuters that the operation would be further slowed as rescue teams were considering<strong>&nbsp;</strong>drilling through the last 10 metres of debris manually. A family member of the trapped worker said that everyone (trapped workers) inside the tunnel was very worried.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 26:</strong>&nbsp;Rescuers started drilling vertically from the top of the mountain where the workers were trapped. A National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official said, "86 metres will have to be reached through vertical drilling to reach trapped workers."</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 27:</strong>&nbsp;Rescuers brought in rat miners to drill through a narrow pipe by hand and help pull out the trapped workers. The NDMA said that there would be rain the area in the area in the next day or two but added it would not affect the operation.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Nov 28: </strong>All 41 workers were rescued and were taken to hospital for treatment.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Rescuers drilled through<strong>&nbsp;</strong>rocks and debris to finally reach the workers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Forty-one construction workers who were trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for 16 days in the Indian State of Uttarakhand were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28).

Forty-one construction workers who were trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for 16 days in the Indian State of Uttarakhand were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The construction workers had been trapped since Nov 12 after the under-construction tunnel collapsed following a landslide. It was sixteen days of day and night efforts by government agencies to rescue them. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed joy over the workers being rescued from the tunnel site. "We have begun bringing the workers out...," he said in a post on X when eight of the workers were brought out of the tunnel. Click here to follow all updates on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation उत्तरकाशी में हमारे श्रमिक भाइयों के रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन की सफलता हर किसी को भावुक कर देने वाली है। टनल में जो साथी फंसे हुए थे, उनसे मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि आपका साहस और धैर्य हर किसी को प्रेरित कर रहा है। मैं आप सभी की कुशलता और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य की कामना करता हूं। यह अत्यंत… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2023 × Sharing a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the courage and patience of the trapped workers inspired everyone. "I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation," Prime Minister Modi added. Here's a look at the timeline so far: > Nov 12: Forty-one workers were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed following a landslide. The rescue operation started immediately and authorities said that all the trapped construction workers were safe and basic supplies like oxygen, food, and water were being given to them. > Nov 13: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the incident spot and took stock of the situation. Excavators had been removing debris to carve out a path to reach the workers. "There is enough water while oxygen and food for instant energy like dry fruits are being supplied to them," a disaster management official told Reuters. > Nov 14: Excavators started drilling with the help of auger machinery to fix a wide steel pipe that would help pull out the trapped workers. A team of geologists from the state government and educational institutions had arrived to determine the cause of the accident. Families of the trapped workers urge swift rescue operation. Uttarkashi tunnel rescue | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the workers who have been rescued from inside the Silkyara tunnel. pic.twitter.com/8fgMiHPkAD — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023 × > Nov 15: Falling debris hampers rescue efforts. Workers remained safe with food, water, and oxygen being supplied through a pipe. Dozen workers outside the Silkyara tunnel called for their colleagues to be rescued quickly. > Nov 16: A new drilling machine was installed after the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was dissatisfied with the first one. Ranjit Sinha, the top disaster management officer in Uttarakhand, told Reuters the new machine would cut through the debris at 2.5 metres an hour, as opposed to one metre using the previous machine. > Nov 17: Rescuers drill through 24 metres of debris. Four millimetre (mm) pipes are inserted into the tunnel. However, the rescue efforts are hampered when one of the pipes hits an obstacle. A report from the NHIDCL said that during efforts to restart the drilling machine, a "large-scale cracking sound" was heard which created a situation of panic in the tunnel. > Nov 18: Drilling remains suspended. The workers remained safe and were able to establish communication via radios. Protesting workers alleged rescue teams were keeping them in the dark about the pace of progress of the rescue. > Nov 19: Drilling remains suspended. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the rescue operation and said that boring horizontally with the huge auger machine appeared to be the best option. > Nov 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Chief Minister Dhami to review the progress of the rescue operation. Experts surveyed the collapse site to gather information about the tunnel collapse from every angle and later discussed possible routes of rescue for the trapped workers. Rescuers pushed through a new pipeline to the trapped workers. They had been relying on nuts, puffed rice, chickpeas and other dry food via a smaller pipe. > Nov 21: Authorities released the first video of the 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel after a camera was sent into the tunnel through a new pipeline. Two explosions were carried out at the Balakot end of the tunnel. Workers were told to practise yoga and meditation for anxiety. > Nov 22: Rescue teams drilled 32 metres of an estimated 60 metres that must be cleared to push through a pipe wide enough for the workers to crawl out. However, drilling was hampered after some iron rods came in the way of the auger machine. > Nov 23: Drilling resumed and ambulances and medical support were kept on standby. Rescue operation entered the final stages. > Nov 24: Rescue efforts were again hampered after the auger machine faced a hurdle, soon after the drilling resumed. > Nov 25: A rescue official told Reuters that the operation would be further slowed as rescue teams were considering drilling through the last 10 metres of debris manually. A family member of the trapped worker said that everyone (trapped workers) inside the tunnel was very worried. > Nov 26: Rescuers started drilling vertically from the top of the mountain where the workers were trapped. A National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official said, "86 metres will have to be reached through vertical drilling to reach trapped workers." > Nov 27: Rescuers brought in rat miners to drill through a narrow pipe by hand and help pull out the trapped workers. The NDMA said that there would be rain the area in the area in the next day or two but added it would not affect the operation. > Nov 28: All 41 workers were rescued and were taken to hospital for treatment. Rescuers drilled through rocks and debris to finally reach the workers. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: All 41 workers rescued. Here's a timeline of what happened

Indian rescuers pulled out the first of 41 construction workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days, hours after drilling through the debris of rock, concrete and earth to reach them.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue op: Rescuers pull out trapped Indian workers

The 17-day long wait ends. The first batch of workers are being rescued from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, India. All trapped workers to be rescued from the tunnel in the next 2 hours Watch the link to know more.

BREAKING | Himalayan tunnel rescue successful, billion prayers answered, workers rescued

Big sigh of relief, as trapped workers being rescued from uttrakhand tunnel. Rescuers had drilled through debris to reach the group of 41 trapped workers. The men had been stuck in the 4.5-km (3-mile) tunnel in the mountainous state of uttarakhand since it caved in early on november 12.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Workers being pulled out through a narrow pipe of 90cm

41 workers who were trapped in the Uttarakhand tunnel will be extricated. They will be taken to hospitals for medical checkup for which 41 ambulances are on standby outside.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Ambulances on standby outside the tunnel | WION

Rescuers are meters away from the workers stuck inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand's silkyari for the last 17 day. Ambulances and helicopters are on standby as the rescuers wait to pull out the workers on strectchers..Who will be sent to a makeshift hospital immediately.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rescuers uses rat-hole mining to reach workers

Rescuers achieved major breakthrough in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation, 41 workers trapped in the tunnel since Nov 12 are expected to come out soon. NDRF confirmed the safety of all workers.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: NDRF performing evacuation mock drills

The NDRF conducted a press briefing in which a senior rescue official said that it will take atleast 5 minutes to pull out one worker. That means that the entire exercise of pulling out trapped workers from debris of tunnel could last for 3 to 4 hours.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Green corridor from tunnel to hospital set up for the workers

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Ambulances as well as Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter on standby

Rescuers achieved major breakthrough in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation, 41 workers trapped in the tunnel since Nov 12 are expected to come out soon. As drilling through the debris is completed.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Green corridor to be set up to evacuate trapped workers

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter on standby for workers

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Bid to save 41 workers trapped for 17 days | World News | WION

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Drilling through the debris complete, good news expected soon

Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow horizontal seams - apart from this - it is a technique which is often employed in India's Meghalaya state where rat-hole mining has been used in the past.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: What is rat-hole mining, used in rescue operation, & how does it work?

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Major breakthrough acheieved , workers to come out soon

Two weeks into the operations that began to rescue 41 trapped workers in a tunnel in India's Uttarkhand, agencies have now decided to use manual tools and hand tunneling methods to reach the workers. After the augur machine that was being used collapsed a team of 11 specialist have been flown in from Delhi for this. Also, with horozontal drilling facing multiple issues, the teams are now resorting to vertical drilling.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Manual drilling, multiple strategies for tunnel rescue

It's been 2 weeks since a major tunnel collapsed in India's Uttarakhand and the rescue operations continue to pull out 41 workers who remain trapped under the Silkyara tunnel. The administration has been on its to since the 12th of November.

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Vertical drilling into tunnel still in process | India News | WION

<p>Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators&nbsp;started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks.</p>

<p>A passage to ensure the supply of food, medicines and essential items has been ensured. A communication channel has been established between tunnel workers and the outside world too.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How long will workers remain trapped inside the tunnel?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, over 20 metres of the required 86 metres of vertical digging has been completed. Four more days are needed to complete the digging, according to an official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A unit of Madras sappers from the Corps of Engineers of the Indian army also reached the tunnel site to assist the rescue operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vertical drilling is among&nbsp;six plans being considered to rescue the trapped workers, with the best solution being horizontal drilling, National Disaster Management Authority said.</p>

<h2><strong>Why vertical drilling?</strong></h2>

<p>Vertical drilling had to be started after an&nbsp;auger machine used for horizontal drilling broke down and got stuck in the debris.</p>

<p>"The auger machine has to be cut and brought out. It seems that it will be completed soon, within a few more hours. After that manual drilling will begin," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the work is ongoing to remove the auger machine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A machine for sideways drilling is expected to arrive early on Monday (Nov 27), according to the NDMA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-is-like-the-finest-heart-surgery-in-himalayas-says-arnold-dix-662295">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix</a></strong></p>

<p>The trapped workers hail from poor backgrounds and were working for as less as ₹18,000 (or $216).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A person identified with his last name Chaudhary has said his son is among those stuck inside the tunnel along with 40 others.</p>

<p>"Once he comes out, we will never allow him to work here again," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chaudhary, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri,&nbsp; spoke to his son Manjeet on Sunday through a communication channel set up by the authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling makes swift progress</strong></p>

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<p>"We are very poor and came here after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against my wife's jewellery. Here, the administration gave me a jacket and shoes. They also repaid my loan."</p>

<p>Fifteen workers hail from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five each from Odisha and Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The top focus is currently to speed up the vertical drilling and removal of the drill blade to resume to horizontal drilling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rescuers plan to manually dig through the remaining debris to reach the trapped workers, officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials say that going horizontally through the collapsed debris in the tunnel is still the safest option.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks.

Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks. A passage to ensure the supply of food, medicines and essential items has been ensured. A communication channel has been established between tunnel workers and the outside world too. How long will workers remain trapped inside the tunnel? So far, over 20 metres of the required 86 metres of vertical digging has been completed. Four more days are needed to complete the digging, according to an official. A unit of Madras sappers from the Corps of Engineers of the Indian army also reached the tunnel site to assist the rescue operations. Vertical drilling is among six plans being considered to rescue the trapped workers, with the best solution being horizontal drilling, National Disaster Management Authority said. Why vertical drilling? Vertical drilling had to be started after an auger machine used for horizontal drilling broke down and got stuck in the debris. "The auger machine has to be cut and brought out. It seems that it will be completed soon, within a few more hours. After that manual drilling will begin," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. Now, the work is ongoing to remove the auger machine. A machine for sideways drilling is expected to arrive early on Monday (Nov 27), according to the NDMA. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix The trapped workers hail from poor backgrounds and were working for as less as ₹18,000 (or $216). A person identified with his last name Chaudhary has said his son is among those stuck inside the tunnel along with 40 others. "Once he comes out, we will never allow him to work here again," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. Chaudhary, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, spoke to his son Manjeet on Sunday through a communication channel set up by the authorities. Also watch | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling makes swift progress × "We are very poor and came here after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against my wife's jewellery. Here, the administration gave me a jacket and shoes. They also repaid my loan." Fifteen workers hail from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five each from Odisha and Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh state. What next? The top focus is currently to speed up the vertical drilling and removal of the drill blade to resume to horizontal drilling. Rescuers plan to manually dig through the remaining debris to reach the trapped workers, officials said. Officials say that going horizontally through the collapsed debris in the tunnel is still the safest option. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling moves swiftly amid race to save trapped workers

Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling of Uttarkashi tunnel begins to rescue 41 trapped workers

Efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in India's Uttarakhand State is set to begin in the next 2 hours. The operation had once again faced another major setback on Friday night when the drilling machine stopped working again.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rescue team faces another glitch, drilling halted

41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in India's Uttarakhand state. Now the rescue team plans to go ahead with the vertical drilling and manual methods to rescue the trapped workers.

Uttarakhand: 41 workers stay trapped for 14 days  as rescue team plans to use vertical drilling

Drilling work has been halted at the Silkyara tunnel in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. In the last 24 hours, there has been no movement within the tunnel due to multiple snags in the drilling machine. Rescuers at the site are now looking toward the option of vertical drilling which would require drilling for around 90 metres to reach the workers.

Indian tunnel rescue set to take much longer time

Despite progress, setbacks have occurred as the drill bit is withdrawn through the passage. The challenges faced show the complexity of the rescue mission and the emotional toll on the families.

In Pics | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Drilling to restart from Sunday

<p>With efforts still ongoing in the tunnel rescue in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, it is estimated that workers might be taken out in the next few hours or by Friday (Nov 24).&nbsp;National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain in a media briefing Thursday (Nov 23) reportedly said, "I expect that in the next few hours or by tomorrow, we will be successful in this operation."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
It's been 12 days that the 41 workers are trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel.&nbsp;A pipe was planned to be placed after drilling to reach the trapped workers, however, the Thursday plans once again hit a snag when the drilling machine experienced "some difficulties".&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Earlier, the rescue ops faced a challenge when a thick iron mesh obstructed auger machine drilling. Fortunately, it was removed, opening up the rescue operations again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>International expert Arnold Dix on Thursday evening told PTI news agency, "Right now the auger machine is experiencing some difficulties, for the third time."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have seen this happen before," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwal told PTI that once the drilling work is completed the workers will be taken out one after the other on wheeled stretchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serious-threat-to-democracy-india-to-soon-come-up-with-regulations-to-curb-deepfake-menace-661977">'Serious threat to democracy': India to soon introduce regulations to curb deepfake menace</a></p>

<p>As per reports, there was an alternative plan when the team mulled over workers crawling their way out from the drilled pipe. However, given the health condition of workers, who are only surviving on small meals, it may not be a feasible solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Keeping in view the sensitivity of the rescue situation, ambulances have been arranged. The rescue team is separated by just a few metres of debris from the trapped workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rajasthan-polls-youth-puts-concerns-above-party-favouritism-662057">Rajasthan polls: Youth puts concerns above party favouritism</a></strong></p>

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<p>International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix said to ANI, "We are only just metres away from finding passage to have the men back. But the men are safe. The auger machine has broken down, it is being repaired and it should be back up tomorrow. The drilling machine has broken down three times..."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will stay back in a temporary camp office at the rescue site to oversee ops. “Along with this, it has been decided not to celebrate the Egas festival which is celebrated with great pomp in Uttarakhand today. Today, on the occasion of Egas, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was to participate in this festival along with about a thousand people at the Chief Minister’s residence which he also cancelled,” an official statement said.</p>

<p>“People who reached the Chief Minister’s residence celebrated the festival with utmost simplicity by worshipping the cow. On this occasion, people also prayed to God for the safe exit of the workers trapped in the tunnel as soon as possible,” it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With efforts still ongoing in the tunnel rescue in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, it is estimated that workers might be taken out in the next few hours or by Friday (Nov 24).

With efforts still ongoing in the tunnel rescue in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, it is estimated that workers might be taken out in the next few hours or by Friday (Nov 24). National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain in a media briefing Thursday (Nov 23) reportedly said, "I expect that in the next few hours or by tomorrow, we will be successful in this operation." It's been 12 days that the 41 workers are trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel. A pipe was planned to be placed after drilling to reach the trapped workers, however, the Thursday plans once again hit a snag when the drilling machine experienced "some difficulties". Also Read | Indian doctoral student dies two days after being shot in Ohio, investigation on Earlier, the rescue ops faced a challenge when a thick iron mesh obstructed auger machine drilling. Fortunately, it was removed, opening up the rescue operations again. International expert Arnold Dix on Thursday evening told PTI news agency, "Right now the auger machine is experiencing some difficulties, for the third time." "We have seen this happen before," he added. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwal told PTI that once the drilling work is completed the workers will be taken out one after the other on wheeled stretchers. Also Read | 'Serious threat to democracy': India to soon introduce regulations to curb deepfake menace As per reports, there was an alternative plan when the team mulled over workers crawling their way out from the drilled pipe. However, given the health condition of workers, who are only surviving on small meals, it may not be a feasible solution. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the rescue situation, ambulances have been arranged. The rescue team is separated by just a few metres of debris from the trapped workers. Watch | Rajasthan polls: Youth puts concerns above party favouritism × International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix said to ANI, "We are only just metres away from finding passage to have the men back. But the men are safe. The auger machine has broken down, it is being repaired and it should be back up tomorrow. The drilling machine has broken down three times..." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will stay back in a temporary camp office at the rescue site to oversee ops. “Along with this, it has been decided not to celebrate the Egas festival which is celebrated with great pomp in Uttarakhand today. Today, on the occasion of Egas, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was to participate in this festival along with about a thousand people at the Chief Minister’s residence which he also cancelled,” an official statement said. “People who reached the Chief Minister’s residence celebrated the festival with utmost simplicity by worshipping the cow. On this occasion, people also prayed to God for the safe exit of the workers trapped in the tunnel as soon as possible,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue Day 12 updates: Operation to resume Friday, CM Dhami to stay overnight

<p>The breathless wait for 41 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, over 400 km north of Indian capital New Delhi, continues for the 13th day in a row. On Friday (Nov 24), the work of laying pipes through to debris could not be resumed due to repair work over a platform on which the drilling machine rests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But despite delays, the light for 41 trapped workers inside the tunnel appears imminent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION reached out to Australian tunneling expert Arnold Dix who is one of the minds at work in Uttarkashi to ensure the safe passage of trapped workers.&nbsp;</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>In an interview with WION from the site of the operations, Dix described the&nbsp;complications at the current stage of rescue.</p>

<p>He said: We are dealing with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of avalanche materials in the tunnel. We are not far away (from trapped workers). But we are not just there. The situation from engineering and technical point of view is incredibly complex and delicate. Because the material is avalanche material."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Operation: Rescuer Arnold Dix speaks to WION</strong></p>

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<p>Dix said that the "best on Himalayan experts are" at work in Uttarkashi in a show of "incredible respect for human life."</p>

<h2><strong>Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: How soon will rescuers reach the trapped workers?</strong></h2>

<p>The authorities have said that they cannot give a definite timeline about how soon the trapped workers will be able to see the light outside the tunnel.</p>

<p>"No one is saying that it's definitely going to be today because we've been close before," Dix said.</p>

<p>"I am sure we are bringing these men out. There's gonna be 41 safe men out. Exactly when? Hopefully today," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dix further said that the mission is to ensure that all 41 men are rescued safe and sound.</p>

<p>"So this is like the finest heart surgery that we have kept going here," Dix said.</p>

<p>Dix was also seen paying his respects to deities in a temple made by the locals right outside the site of the rescue.</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> - Tunneling Expert <a href="https://twitter.com/Arnolddix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arnolddix</a> offered prayers at the temple outside the tunnel<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarakhandTunnelRescue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarakhandTunnelRescue</a><br />
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<p>"Send some prayers and good wishes," Dix said.&nbsp;</p>


The breathless wait for 41 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, over 400 km north of Indian capital New Delhi, continues for the 13th day in a row.

The breathless wait for 41 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, over 400 km north of Indian capital New Delhi, continues for the 13th day in a row. On Friday (Nov 24), the work of laying pipes through to debris could not be resumed due to repair work over a platform on which the drilling machine rests. But despite delays, the light for 41 trapped workers inside the tunnel appears imminent. WION reached out to Australian tunneling expert Arnold Dix who is one of the minds at work in Uttarkashi to ensure the safe passage of trapped workers. Also read | 'Himalayas are not Alps': Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder 'not to mess' with world's youngest mountains In an interview with WION from the site of the operations, Dix described the complications at the current stage of rescue. He said: We are dealing with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of avalanche materials in the tunnel. We are not far away (from trapped workers). But we are not just there. The situation from engineering and technical point of view is incredibly complex and delicate. Because the material is avalanche material." Also watch | Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Operation: Rescuer Arnold Dix speaks to WION × Dix said that the "best on Himalayan experts are" at work in Uttarkashi in a show of "incredible respect for human life." Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: How soon will rescuers reach the trapped workers? The authorities have said that they cannot give a definite timeline about how soon the trapped workers will be able to see the light outside the tunnel. "No one is saying that it's definitely going to be today because we've been close before," Dix said. "I am sure we are bringing these men out. There's gonna be 41 safe men out. Exactly when? Hopefully today," he added. Dix further said that the mission is to ensure that all 41 men are rescued safe and sound. "So this is like the finest heart surgery that we have kept going here," Dix said. Dix was also seen paying his respects to deities in a temple made by the locals right outside the site of the rescue. #WATCH - Tunneling Expert @Arnolddix offered prayers at the temple outside the tunnel#UttarakhandTunnelRescue Track LIVE updates here: https://t.co/hEfi3Y9S5b pic.twitter.com/m0CvElp77O — WION (@WIONews) November 24, 2023 × "Send some prayers and good wishes," Dix said.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix

Veteran tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, a rescuer on this operation, speaks exclusively to wion on what vertical drilling is, why the avalanche debris keeps breaking drills, and how this rescue is endangering the lives of rescuers as well.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: 41 workers to be examined medically after they are out of the tunnel

The rescuers have cautiously drilled through debris to reach the 41 trapped workers in the collapsed tunnel in the Indian Himalayas. Ambulances, physicians and chest specialists are among 15 doctors at the site. Watch the story to see how the remaining debris needs to be drilled so that the workers push through a pipe wide enough for them to crawl out. To know more watch this interview with Vaibhav Dange (Policy Expert) and Navin Kumar Bhatnagar ( Former DIG, NDRF).

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescuers drill three-quarters of way through debris | WION Newspoint

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse : Ambulances on standby at Silkyara tunnel; Big news soon: Officials

The tunnel collapse incident in Uttarakhand is reminiscent of similar rescue incidents that have occurred across the world in the past. From the Thai cave rescue mission back in 2018 when twelve boys of a football team aged between 11 and 16 years and their 25-year-old assistant coach got stuck in Tham Luang Nang Non cave system in Northern Thailand to the 2010 Chilean mining incident where a mine collapsed trapping 33 miners, 2300 feet underground. Have the past incidents taught any valuable lessons to countries around the world?

Tunnel rescue missions: Thailand. Peru. Chile

<p>Stating that rescue efforts have entered the final stages at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, a senior officer said they will reach the 41 trapped workers by Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The workers have been trapped since November 12 when the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot got blocked due to debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side.</p>

<p>"We have inserted pipes 44 meters via horizontal drilling. However, we have found some steel rods in the debris. The machine couldn't cut those rods. Therefore, NDRF personnel will cut those rods following which we will use the machine again," said rescue officer Harpal Singh, who is also the Project Head of the under-construction Zoji-la Tunnel project in Kashmir.</p>

<p>"I have full confidence that steel pieces can be cut within an hour and in the next 5 hours two pipes can be pushed in and the rescue operation could start," he said late Wednesday night.</p>

<p>He hoped rescuers would be able to reach the trapped workers by 8:30 am.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel entered the tunnel, an official statement issued by Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office said.</p>

<p>An ambulance is also deployed inside the tunnel and a team of doctors is also put on stand-by for health check-ups of the workers, it said.</p>

<p>"Silkyara rescue operation is now in the final stages. The NDRF team is deployed to rescue the workers. An ambulance is deployed inside the tunnel and a team of doctors is deployed in the CHC located at Chinyalisaur for health check-ups of the workers. Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami himself is also present in Uttarkashi," the official statement said.</p>

<p>The rescue operation has been ongoing for the past 12 days.</p>

<p>A 41-bed hospital readied at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur for medical examination and care of trapped workers after they are evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.</p>

<p>NDRF personnel also carried oxygen cylinders at Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel to assist in the ongoing rescue operation.</p>

<p>The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometres in length, is the built-up portion of the tunnel, offering safety to the labourers with available electricity and water supply.&nbsp;</p>


Stating that rescue efforts have entered the final stages at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, a senior officer said they will reach the 41 trapped workers by Thursday morning.

Stating that rescue efforts have entered the final stages at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, a senior officer said they will reach the 41 trapped workers by Thursday morning. The workers have been trapped since November 12 when the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot got blocked due to debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side. "We have inserted pipes 44 meters via horizontal drilling. However, we have found some steel rods in the debris. The machine couldn't cut those rods. Therefore, NDRF personnel will cut those rods following which we will use the machine again," said rescue officer Harpal Singh, who is also the Project Head of the under-construction Zoji-la Tunnel project in Kashmir. "I have full confidence that steel pieces can be cut within an hour and in the next 5 hours two pipes can be pushed in and the rescue operation could start," he said late Wednesday night. He hoped rescuers would be able to reach the trapped workers by 8:30 am. Earlier on Wednesday, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel entered the tunnel, an official statement issued by Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office said. An ambulance is also deployed inside the tunnel and a team of doctors is also put on stand-by for health check-ups of the workers, it said. "Silkyara rescue operation is now in the final stages. The NDRF team is deployed to rescue the workers. An ambulance is deployed inside the tunnel and a team of doctors is deployed in the CHC located at Chinyalisaur for health check-ups of the workers. Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami himself is also present in Uttarkashi," the official statement said. The rescue operation has been ongoing for the past 12 days. A 41-bed hospital readied at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur for medical examination and care of trapped workers after they are evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. NDRF personnel also carried oxygen cylinders at Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel to assist in the ongoing rescue operation. The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometres in length, is the built-up portion of the tunnel, offering safety to the labourers with available electricity and water supply.

Uttarkashi tunnel incident: Rescue operation in final stages

Fresh efforts are underway in the rescue mission to evacuate the 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in India's Uttarakhand. Our latest report looks at the multi-pronged strategy being pursued to save them from this harrowing ordeal.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse Day 11: 41 workers trapped for over 260 hours | India News | WION

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