Uttarkashi rescue: Pipe pushed in 55.3m, says official; ‘Good news by late evening'

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said drilling has been completed for 53 metres and all efforts are being made for the rescue of 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara tunnel since November 12. 

Addressing at the sixth World Disaster Management Conference in Dehradun, Dhami said, “We received an update just now that the pipe has gone in 53 metres." On the workers, he added, “They are safe and they are being provided with all help - from oxygen to food and water. Work is going on rapidly. All our scientists, experts, Government of India and State Government and other agencies are making all efforts. PM is also taking a report on them every day.” The CM had earlier said 57 metres was the breakthrough point. 

International Tunnelling Expert, Arnold Dix said, “I just feel good. The drilling on top of the mountain is coming along perfectly, in the tunnel, it's coming along very well. I have never said 'I feel good' before.”

Preparations are underway at the Silkyara tunnel site to rush trapped workers to the hospital, once they are brought out of the tunnel. Repair works are being carried out on the road outside the tunnel for speedy movement of ambulances. The road had become uneven due to regular movement of heavy vehicles over the past fortnight and a fresh layer of soil was being laid on the road. Security personnel at the site have been advised to spring into action once workers start coming out of the tunnel. 

The drilling is being carried out by a rat-hole mining expert team of 12 who is currently excavating horizontally through the last 10-or-12-metre stretch of debris of the collapsed tunnel. The workers will go into the escape passage with drills and gas cutters to clear obstacles like iron girders. Earlier today, Dhami visited the site and reviewed rescue measures.