Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand)

After tireless efforts of rescuers which continued for 16 days, all 41 trapped workers were evacuated successfully from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, locals distributed sweets outside the Silkyara tunnel as trapped workers were being rescued from the tunnel.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he is relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued.

"I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers 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 endeavours of the rescue teams have yielded favourable results," Gadkari posted on X (Formerly Twitter). '

He further expressed gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation.

Here is the video of dazed workrs being patted by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister gen V K Singh after being rescued:

What a terrific day for #India as workers trapped in the #Uttarkashi tunnel are rescued after days of ceaseless efforts. Every person involved with the #UttarkashiRescue justly deserves the nation’s salute and gratitude.
Exceptional grit and determination!pic.twitter.com/fCvSGRcEm7

— Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) November 28, 2023

"The exact time of breakthrough was 7:05 pm. Uttarakhand CM, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh are present there," said Harpal Singh, Project Head Zoji-la Tunnel,

CM Dhami highly appreciated the morale and courage of the workers and personnel engaged in the rescue operation.

Earlier today. Uttarakhand CM and other officials reached the Silkyara tunnel rescue siteThe Silkiari Tunnel under the Char Dham Project was halted as a large landslide fell in the under-construction tunnel, trapping 41 workers inside.

Since then, the rescue operation went on for 17 days.

Arnold Dix said the drilling machine had broken down three times. The landslide occurred around 5.30 am on the day of Diwali. After which the workers were trapped when a part of the under-construction Sulkiara-Dandalgaon tunnel collapsed on the Brahmakhal-Yamontri highway.

The district administration had started the rescue operation. Arrangements were made to supply oxygen, electricity, and food to the trapped workers through compressed air pipes. NDRF, SDRF, BRO, Project concerned agency NHIDCL and

Several agencies, including the ITBP, took part in rescue efforts but no action plan could be worked out.