The International Tunnelling and underground space association on Friday has offered support to the Indian rescue team engaged in the evacuation operation of 40 labourers trapped between Silkyara and Dandalgaon tunnel in Uttarkashi from last six days.A portion of the tunnel that is being constructed between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed in the early hours of November 11 following a landslide, trapping 40 workers inside.It is to be noted here that the rescue teams have managed to drill through 24 metres into the rubble inside the Silkyara Tunnel, and are getting closer to 40 labourers.While speaking to media reporters on Friday, NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish Khalkho said, We have reached 24 metres inside which is a good situation. We are trying to reach the other end as soon as possible...We are airlifting another machine from Indore, it will reach here tomorrow morning.”#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) Tunnel Accident: NHIDCL Tunnel Project Director Anshu Manish Khalko says, We have reached 24 metres inside which is a good situation. We are trying to reach the other end as soon as possible...We are airlifting another machine from Indore, it… pic.twitter.com/8pW4ymVgQW— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 17, 2023Rescuers used a modern auger drill machine that was brought in from Delhi during the course of the night. They were able to drill through the debris to a depth of 25 metres before the machine struck a metal portion inside, out of the projected 60 metres they would need to cover to reach the trapped workers.The goal of the rescue efforts is to free the workers who are trapped by creating a subterranean escape route with steel pipes measuring 800 and 900 metres. A simulated drill for a possible evacuation through the 900mm wide steel pipes was also conducted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members stationed at the location.
