Uttarkashi tunnel accident: Video communication established with stranded workers – Gudstory

Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain said efforts were being made to clear the debris inside the pipeline using compressed air and water pressure. All medical supplies were being sent through recently installed pipes.

Officials are now counting on the Augur machines being tested to reach the blocked part of the tunnel in the next two-three days.

With 800 mm pipe being inserted with Augur machines, a hole through the debris offers the best and fastest chance of rescuing workers trapped in the tunnel, Jain said, adding that other options are also being explored and there is difficulty in reaching that part. It may take more time. The tunnel where the workers were trapped.

“We are moving cautiously but steadily to reach the closed part of the tunnel,” Jain said, adding that NHIDCL has resumed horizontal boring from the Silkyara end this morning.

Along with this, a drift tunnel is being built by the joint team of THDCL, Army, Coal India and NHIDCL through manual-semi-mechanized method.

Jain said that with the delicate geology in the area, vertical drilling would be undertaken on a larger scale if other options fail.

Five government agencies have been asked to consider all options to reach and rescue the workers trapped in the tunnel. One option each to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHDCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Sutlej Hydropower Corporation (SJVNL), Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Has been assigned. ,

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Updated: Nov 21, 2023, 06:24 PM IST