Uttarkashi: In the aftermath of the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse on November 12, Union Minister of State of Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh, made a crucial visit to the site on Thursday, shedding light on the ongoing rescue efforts. Singh emphasized that the operation to extricate the 40 trapped workers could extend for an additional 2-3 days.


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Addressing the media in Uttarkashi, Singh conveyed that the combined efforts of the government, various agencies, and international experts are dedicated to the swift and safe rescue of the trapped workers. "The morale of the workers is high, and they understand that all possible options are being weighed to rescue them," Singh assured.


"Government, all its agencies and experts with whom we can communicate - the efforts of all of us are aimed at rescuing the workers at the earliest. I have spoken with them and their morale is high. They understand that all efforts are being made for them and we are weighing all options to rescue them," Singh told reporters in Uttarkashi.


"Our priority is to rescue them sooner. Efforts are being made for this. All the agencies are putting effort into this. A new machine is working, whose power and speed are better than the old machine. Our effort is to complete this rescue operation within two to three days. We are also taking the help of international experts. They know that the government is working to rescue them," the Minister said.


'American Auger' Machine In Action


A significant development in the rescue operation is the deployment of a more advanced 'American auger' machine, designed for superior speed and power. The machine is tasked with drilling through the debris to create a conduit for rescuing the workers. Colonel Deepak Patil, leading the efforts for the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), expressed optimism about the progress, noting a drilling speed of approximately 3 meters in half an hour.


'Drill And Blast' Technique Being Used 


Colonel Patil disclosed that they are employing the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a drill and blast technique, to navigate through the collapsed tunnel. The technique focuses on monitoring deformations during drilling, guiding cautionary measures, such as rock bolts and primary support, based on observed conditions.


 



 


Father Encourages Trapped Son


Amidst the challenging rescue efforts, a touching moment unfolded as the father of one trapped worker, Dharam Singh, spoke to his son Vijay Kumar. Providing words of courage, Dharam Singh assured his son that everything would be fine and that he would be brought out soon. Limited quantities of food, water, and oxygen are being supplied to sustain the trapped workers.


 



 


CM Dhami Reviews Rescue Operation


Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a review meeting at the State Secretariat, affirmed the continuous review of the rescue operation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dhami assured that all necessary arrangements for the trapped workers are in place, and regular contact is maintained with them.


"We are in regular contact with the trapped. All the arrangements for them are being made there. Everyone is safe. Work was done by the NHIDCL and the tunnel was on the verge of completion. Just 400 metres were left... Now we will review it all... PM Modi is reviewing the rescue operation and is continuously in contact with all of us," Dhami told ANI.


 



 


As the intensive rescue operations continue, the collapsed portion of the tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by the 40 workers still trapped inside. The nation watches with bated breath as efforts persist to bring them to safety.