Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: New 'Blast And Drill' Technique Being Used; Ops May Last 2-3 More Days

VK Singh said that a faster and more powerful 'American auger' machine has begun work at Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi to push through a pipe that will be used to rescue the construction workers.

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.

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.

उत्तरकाशी टनल में फंसे मजदूरों को निकालने पहुंची अमेरिकी ऑगर मशीन, जानें खासियत#Uttrakhandnews #uttarkashihttps://t.co/qzaXW4xGeT

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) November 16, 2023

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.

#WATCH | Dharam Singh, father of one of the labourers trapped inside, says, " My 20-year-old son Vijay Kumar is trapped inside...I spoke to my son a little bit and I gave him courage, assured him that everything would be fine and he would be brought out by this evening...food and… pic.twitter.com/yx4pZLjgHL

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 16, 2023

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.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel incident | Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami holds a review meeting with senior officials at the State Secretariat.

In this meeting, the Chief Minister is reviewing the ongoing relief and rescue work to rescue 40 labourers trapped in the… pic.twitter.com/XFUumM6Ahs

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2023

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.