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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