‘Example of humanity and teamwork’: PM Modi on success of Uttarakhand tunnel rescue op

Terming the success of the tunnel rescue operation in Uttarkashi as “an emotional moment”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the courage and patience of the trapped workers calling it an “inspiration to everyone”.

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

“I want to say to friends who were trapped in tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiration to everyone,” he said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister also praised the efforts of the rescue workers saying that it has set an “amazing example of humanity and teamwork.” “I salute spirit of those associated with tunnel rescue operation, their bravery has given new life to labourers who were trapped there,” Modi added.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union minister V K Singh welcome workers evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel. (Express photo/PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her relief and happiness over the rescue of all the trapped workers and added that the travails of the rescue teams over 17 days amid multiple setbacks have been a “testament of human endurance”.

I feel relieved and happy to learn that all the workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand have been rescued. Their travails over 17 days, as the rescue effort met with obstacles, have been a testament of human endurance. The nation salutes their resilience and remains grateful…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 28, 2023

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said he is “relieved and happy” that all the workers were 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,” Gadkari said in a post on X.

I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers 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…

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 28, 2023

He also expressed gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation as well as deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the rescue of the workers as “great news for the nation” and said the country salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation for so long.

He also expressed his gratitude to all those who made tireless efforts to save the labourers.

Hours after the workers were taken to a community health centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to them over the phone.