NEW DELHI: Indian rescuers have successfully freed all 41 workers who were trapped for 17 days in a collapsed Himalayan road tunnel. The Minister of Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, expressed relief and happiness, describing the rescue as a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant operations in recent years.
The workers, who were trapped behind tonnes of earth inside the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand since the collapse on November 12, were greeted with celebrations upon their safe emergence from the tunnel. They were draped in orange marigold flower garlands, and state officials were present to receive them, with ambulances ready to provide medical assistance.
The rescue operation faced numerous challenges, including falling debris, the breakdown of drilling machines, and the difficult Himalayan terrain. Engineers and skilled miners persevered, employing a “rat-hole” technique to manually clear the final section of the tunnel. The three-person team worked within a narrow metal pipe to reach the workers.
Rescued Workers Reported in Good Health
Indian billionaire Anand Mahindra paid tribute to the individuals involved in the manual breakthrough, emphasizing the heroism of individual efforts and sacrifices. Despite setbacks, the workers’ health was reported to be fine, with a team of medics on-site to provide immediate assistance.
The workers were first seen alive last week when an endoscopic camera was sent down a thin pipe, providing a lifeline for the delivery of air, food, water, and electricity. The trapped workers had ample space inside the tunnel, measuring 8.5 meters in height and extending approximately two kilometers.
Arnold Dix, president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, who advised the engineers, noted that the workers were in good spirits.
