Silkyara tunnel rescue: All 41 trapped workers evacuated after 17 days

All 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand have been rescued. The workers were trapped after the tunnel collapsed on November 12. 

The rescue operation lasted 17 days.

The rescue team used rat-hole mining experts to drill through rubble to create a passage for the workers. The workers' safety was the top priority. 

After 17 days of the marathon operation, 41 workers have been evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a social media update, expressed gratitude for the progress, stating, "With immense blessings of Baba Baukhnag, prayers of crores of country's citizens, and relentless hard work of the rescue agencies involved in the operations, pipe-laying through the tunnel has been completed, and our brothers will soon be evacuated."

Also Read: Uttarkashi tunnel rescue : 5 of 41 trapped workers evacuated, heroic efforts continue

The successful completion of the pipe-pushing work across the debris at the Silkyara tunnel marks a crucial step toward the safe evacuation of the remaining workers. Chief Minister Dhami, in a tweet, announced the achievement, emphasizing that preparations are underway to ensure the safe rescue of those still inside the tunnel.

Rat-hole miners, known for their expertise in navigating tight spaces, were observed stepping out of the Silkyara tunnel with their drillers. Additionally, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams equipped with specialized gear entered the tunnel, intensifying efforts to reach and evacuate the remaining workers.

Twelve rat-hole mining experts, employing their skills in horizontal excavation, played a vital role in the ongoing rescue operation. Rat-hole mining, a primitive and hazardous method of coal extraction practiced in India, showcased its utility in this critical situation.