Politics
Uttarakhand Tunnel Disaster: A Race Against Time As Rescuers Bank On 900mm Diameter Pipes To Pave Narrow Path For Trapped Workers
About 40 workers were inside the tunnel when the collapse occurred. (Representative image)
Efforts are underway for the challenging rescue of 40 workers trapped in a Uttarakhand tunnel for over 48 hours.
The tunnel collapse occurred on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, part of the Chardham project.
Despite continuous work, progress has been slow in clearing rocks that fell over a 200-metre area, obstructing the tunnel.
Rescuers aim to create a 40-metre escape passage, having removed 21 metres of debris so far. Plans involve using a 900 mm diameter pipe to create a passage for the trapped workers.
An auger machine and necessary equipment have been deployed, with experts from the irrigation department aiding the operation.
This tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, joins Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi and is expected to cut down the distance by 26 km.
The workers, hailing from various states, are unharmed in a buffer zone and are in contact with rescuers.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation though initial reports suggest the cause to be landslides.
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