Nine days on, 41 workers remain trapped under debris of Uttarkashi tunnel

On day nine of the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse rescue operation, a six inch pipe was drilled through the rubble which the reached the trapped men. The pipe will be used with a modified tray which will carry food, mobile phones, and other essential commodities.

Written by Express Web Desk

Updated: November 20, 2023 21:00 IST

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In a significant development in the operation to rescue 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, a six-inch pipe to supply essential commodities has successfully reached the men.(Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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The pipe is 53 meters in length and preparations are being made to supply food to the trapped workers, officials said. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited Director Anshu Manish Khalkho and rescue operation in-charge Colonel Deepak Patil said efforts are now on to evacuate the men as safely and as quickly as possible. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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“This is just one step, through which we can send them (better) food, mobile phones, chargers, and also talk to them. We have made a list after talking to doctors, and are preparing food based on their suggestions,” said Patil. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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He further said that attempts are being made to build a tray that will fit into the pipe on which food will be sent to the trapped workers. Currently, the tray has been sent to the NDRF for modifications. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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Rescue efforts were hampered due to a number of setbacks. The workers are being especially cautious as Patil informed them that the tunnel on the Silkyara side is very fragile. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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Earlier in the day, Khalkho told the media that they had failed twice in installing the six-inch pipe because there was a rock they could not get through. On the rescue operation, he said that there will be vertical drills working in two different places as well as two horizontal drills to get the men out. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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He said that on Friday afternoon, there was a cracking sound that led to panic, and work was stopped for two days. The work started inside the tunnel after the Army prepared a box culvert to ensure the workers’ safety. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)