Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Concerns Mount as 36 Workers Feared Trapped in Under-Construction Tunnel in Uttarkashi

An under-construction tunnel collapse on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has raised concerns for the safety of at least 36 workers who are feared to be trapped, as reported by officials on Sunday.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police, Arpan Yaduvanshi, disclosed that a section of the tunnel, part of the construction project linking Silkyara to Dandalgaon, collapsed on Saturday night. The incident occurred approximately 200 meters ahead of the tunnel’s starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon.

According to officials from the Hyderoelecticity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL), responsible for the tunnel’s construction, approximately 36 individuals are believed to be trapped inside. Ongoing efforts are being made to safely rescue the workers, with the process involving the opening of the tunnel and the gradual removal of debris within.

A joint team from the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) and the police revenue is engaged in relief and rescue operations. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi district are on-site overseeing the situation.

The District Control Room in Uttarkashi received information about the tunnel collapse, prompting a request for assistance from an SDRF team at the location. Commander SDRF, Manikant Mishra, responded swiftly by directing a rescue team, led by Inspector Jagdamba Vijalwan, to the scene equipped with the necessary rescue apparatus.

Upon arrival, the SDRF initiated a relief and rescue operation in collaboration with other rescue units, working urgently to address the situation.