Vertical Drilling in Uttarkashi Tunnel to be Completed by November 30, Says NHIDCL MD

Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Mahmood Ahmad, provided an update on the ongoing rescue operations at the Uttarkashi tunnel, assuring that the vertical drilling work would be completed by November 30. The tunnel, where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12, is currently undergoing intense efforts to secure their safe release.

At a press conference held in Uttarkashi, Mahmood Ahmad revealed, “We have completed around 30 meters of drilling. The current machine deployed can drill around 40-45 meters. We have brought two more machines for this purpose, and we are expecting vertical drilling work to be completed by November 30.” He mentioned that the additional machines brought by SJVNL would expedite the process.

Earlier today, prayers were offered at the main entrance of the tunnel as rescue operations continued. Neeraj Khairwal, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government, informed that Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) PK Mishra emphasized the importance of monitoring the health of the trapped workers. “Safety and security are important. He said that care should be taken of people stranded inside. Their health should be monitored,” said Khairwal.

A delegation led by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pramod Kumar Mishra, visited the site to assess the ongoing rescue efforts on the 16th day of operations. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu accompanied Mishra during the inspection. Mishra interacted with the trapped workers and their families, ensuring that their well-being was a top priority.

Micro tunnelling expert Chris Cooper reported that debris from the auger machine had been removed, and manual drilling to reach the trapped laborers would commence shortly. The rescue operation has been in progress since a portion of the tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping the laborers inside the under-construction structure on the Silkyara side of the tunnel.

As the dedicated efforts continue, hopes are high for the successful completion of vertical drilling by the end of November, facilitating the rescue of the workers and bringing relief to their families.