India tunnel collapse: Ambulances on standby as rescue of trapped workers enters final stretch

The operation to free 41 Indian tunnel workers has entered the final stage, officials say, with rescuers just a few metres away from the trapped men.

Ambulances are on standby and disaster response teams are ready to enter the tunnel entrance equipped with stretchers and other tools to carry the workers to safety.

The men have been trapped in the tunnel at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand state for 11 days since a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed during a landslide on 12 November.

Anticipation is building up among the family members of the workers, many of whom are waiting outside the Silkyara tunnel entrance, as officials say they expect the workers to be out by the end of the day.

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, who reached the tunnel site this morning, told ANI that they are now close and it is like being at the “front door and ... knocking on it”.

“We know that the guys are there on the other side,” he said.

Key Points

• Rescue operation to be over ‘in the next few hours, or by tomorrow'

• Rescue operation in final stages

• Team of doctors to examine trapped workers before evacuating them

• CM reaches Uttarkashi as rescue operation reaches final stages

• First visuals of Indian workers trapped inside tunnel

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15:11 , Alexander Butler

We are pausing live coverage of this event.

Tunnel collapse highlights concerns about infrastructure projects in fragile Himalayas

14:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, in a region already prone to landslides, has sparked debate among environmentalists about the damaging impact of construction projects in the already fragile Himalayas.

“When you are aligning a tunnel in an area that is very close to the highly fragile Himalayas, the authorities should have conducted some geological investigation,” Navin Juyal, a geologist, was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“Then the fragility of this place should have been brought to the notice of the authorities.”

Suresh Bhai from Himalaya Bachao Abhigyan, a nonprofit in Uttarkashi, told the Times of India: “Tunnel projects in the Himalayas should be prohibited entirely. They render the mountains more vulnerable. The government must reconsider all ongoing tunnel projects in the Himalayan states.”

A few years ago, an expert panel appointed by the Indian Supreme Court — led by renowned environmentalist Ravi Chopra among other Himalayan scientists and experts — raised alarm about these issues.

The Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi — which is a part of the Narendra Modi administration’s multi-million dollar Char Dham project that aims to link four Hindu holy sites in the state — is being built in an area comprising lime rock, hence making it prone to recurrent collapses, the Times of India reported, quoting geologists.

One expert, S P Sati, said: “There’s a possibility of a blind shear zone that was not previously reported, where multiple dense rock fractures may displace due to a significant fracture like the Srinagar thrust or locally the Badkot thrust passing through the area. Alternatively, the use of explosives for tunnelling might be the cause.

“Although tunnelling is a globally efficient technology with international safety protocols, cost constraints often lead to compromised regulations and the extensive use of explosives, potentially causing such incidents.”

The National Highways Authority of India [NHAI] is going to do a safety audit of 29 tunnels it is currently building, a statement by the government of India said on Wednesday.

“To ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards during construction, NHAI will undertake safety audit of all 29 under-construction tunnels across the country,” the statement said.

ICYMI: Workers provided essentials like toothbrushes and towels and medicines after audio communication channel established

13:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Besides medicine and hot meals, rescue teams have also provided the trapped tunnel workers with undergarments, towels, toothbrushes and other essentials.

On Tuesday, the first visuals of the 41 trapped workers emerged after an endoscopic camera was sent through a pipe which captured the workers’ first images since 12 November.

An audio communication channel was also successfully established with the workers after sending a microphone and speaker to the other end of a six-inch pipe.

An official told the Indian Express that “on this side, we are using headphones to talk to them”.

“Using this channel, our doctors talked to them and asked about their wellbeing. Some of them complained of constipation and medicines were provided,” Uttarakhand government secretary, Neeraj Khairwal said.

In Pictures: Scenes outside the Uttarakhand tunnel where 41 men remain trapped

13:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

What is the health condition of the trapped workers

12:15 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district have complained of headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, and constipation among other ailments.

They have been provided with medicines and health officials, including psychiatrists monitoring their mental wellbeing, have advised them to practice yoga and take regular walks inside.

Earlier, Dr Abhishek Sharma, the psychiatrist who is overseeing the mental health of the trapped workers, told the Indian Express: “We’ve kept constant contact, suggesting activities like yoga, walking, and encouraging conversations among them to maintain high morale.

“Among those trapped inside is one Gabbar Singh Negi, who has been in a similar condition before. Being the oldest among them, he is ensuring everyone’s confidence remains high.”

The workers have been stuck inside for more than 11 days. Some days ago, some workers had also complained of battling depression and according to media reports, anti-depressants, along with some dry fruits and multivitamins were sent to the workers.

“Some workers have also complained of constipation and medicines were provided to them,” Uttarakhand government secretary Neeraj Khairwal said. He also said that eyedrops were sent to the workers as a few had complained of eye issues possibly due to the dust.

Once freed, the workers are expected to receive both psychological help as well as physical check-ups, having battled the trauma of being trapped for so many days.

Rescue operation to be over ‘in the next few hours, or by tomorrow'

11:34 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain told media this afternoon: “We hope to get success in this operation in the next few hours, or by tomorrow.”

How the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue became an international effort

11:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Days into the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation, Indian authorities sought the help of Thai cave experts who saved the lives of dozens of children after rescuing them from a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018.

Indian authorities contacted the Thailand company and asked for their professionals who could help them save the 41 men trapped inside the tunnel for days.

Experts from Norway were also sought after by the authorities after slow progress and halts and snags during the rescue operation in the Himalayan state.

“Help is being taken from special teams from Norway and Thailand,” a statement shared by Uttarkashi District Information Officer, Kirti Panwar, said.

“The rescue team has contacted the Thailand company which had rescued the children trapped in the cave,” it added.

In 2018, twelve boys and their soccer coach were rescued by Thai experts after nearly three weeks of being trapped inside the flooded Tham Luang cave.

The statement by Indian authorities also said they reached out to the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute [NGI] to get advice.

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix was also roped in by the Indian authorities to help with the evacuation of the trapped workers.

The president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, Mr Dix told media today that the rescuers were close to the workers. He said they were now close and it is like being at the “front door and ... knocking on it”.

“We know that the guys are there on the other side,” he said.

In India, several agencies are working on the rescue operation including different central and state agencies.

What families of trapped tunnel workers have said during the wait:

10:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

It has been an anxious wait for the family members of workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand for over 11 days.

Some have flown in from other states and have been provided with accommodation by the state. Many have been waiting outside the main entrance to the tunnel for days.

Several family members of the trapped men have been outside the tunnel this morning waiting with bated breath for their loved ones to be pulled out to safety.

Inderjeet Kumar, a brother of one of the trapped workers, told the Indian Express: “It will be Diwali for us if he comes out today.”

Rajni Kisku from Bihar spoke with her husband, Virender Kisku — who is one of the 41 trapped workers — on 21 November when an audio communication channel was established with the men. She could not hold her tears, the Hindu reported.

Mr Kisku promised his wife that he would be out soon.

Another person identified by his first name by Press Trust of India, Devashish, said he was waiting for his brother-in-law Sonu Shah to be evacuated from the tunnel.

“Today, we were taken inside the tunnel and we spoke to our family members. Sonu repeatedly told me not to worry now and that we would meet soon,” Mr Devashish said yesterday.

His family only got to know about Mr Shah after they saw his name among those trapped inside the tunnel in a newspaper.

“We called him on Diwali but could not reach him. His colleagues told us that his mobile phone had been damaged. Later, we saw his name in a newspaper and learnt that he was trapped inside the tunnel.”

For many other family members, it has been an agonising period of wait.

Raju Nayak’s family in Odisha have been constantly checking for updates on their phone, according to Indian Express.

“We know that all efforts are being made by the administration for the safe rescue of all the workers. I know my son – he is brave and a fighter. He will come back. We all are praying for the safe return of all the workers,” Muchiram Nayak, the trapped worker’s father told the outlet.

Morale of the trapped workers is ‘high’, official says

10:02 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A state official for the Uttarakhand government in charge of the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, Neeraj Khairwal, told the media this afternoon that the chief minister of the state and union minister VK Singh had a conversation with the workers trapped inside.

“Their morale is high. The workers told us that they were fine. All the necessary medicines have been sent. Our psychiatrists and mental health doctors have also had a conversation with the 41 trapped workers. They do not have any problem inside.”

What we know so far about the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation

10:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The rescue operation to reach the 41 trapped workers inside the Silkyara tunnel has entered its final stages with just 12 metres of drilling remaining.

However, it is expected to take 12 or more hours to finally reach the workers, Bhaskar Khulbe, a former adviser to the prime minister said today at the tunnel site in Uttarkashi.

Ambulances and doctors have reached the site and are on standby. It is being reported that a team of doctors will first enter the tunnel via the pipe and examine the workers who have been trapped for more than 11 days today and then help them evacuate.

On Tuesday, the first visuals from the tunnel emerged after an endoscopic camera was inserted via a pipe to the relief of the immediate family members of the workers.

After several halts and delays over days due to the technical difficulties of drilling through the rubble, the workers are now expected to be out soon.The chief minister of Uttarakhand has reached the Silkyara tunnel site today.

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, who reached the tunnel site this morning, told ANI that they are now close and it is like being at the “front door and ... knocking on it”.

“We know that the guys are there on the other side. I am going to have a look and see what is happening,” he said.As the operation is in its final stages, the rescue teams are now ready with a post-rescue action plan.

Who is in the tunnel

09:15 , Maroosha Muzaffar

There are 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel since 12 November when a portion of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district collapsed after a landslide struck the region.

There were up to 60 men on the night shift in the 4.5km tunnel when it collapsed before dawn on 12 November.

Men near the end of the tunnel managed to get out in time, but the 41 men working deeper inside were trapped.

Fifteen workers are from Jharkhand, five are from Odisha, eight are from Uttar Pradesh, four are from Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

One of the trapped workers identified by NDTV as Jaidev sent a message to his mother via the supervisor at the tunnel collapse site on Tuesday. He said: “Mother, do not worry about me, I am fine. Please you and father eat your meals on time.”

Officials have said another one of the workers has been trapped before during a similar incident on a previous construction project. They said he would provide support and boost the morale of the others as their ordeal dragged on.

What is the health condition of the trapped workers

08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district have complained of headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, and constipation among other ailments.

They have been provided with medicines and health officials, including psychiatrists monitoring their mental wellbeing, have advised them to practice yoga and take regular walks inside.

Earlier, Dr Abhishek Sharma, the psychiatrist who is overseeing the mental health of the trapped workers, told the Indian Express: “We’ve kept constant contact, suggesting activities like yoga, walking, and encouraging conversations among them to maintain high morale.

“Among those trapped inside is one Gabbar Singh Negi, who has been in a similar condition before. Being the oldest among them, he is ensuring everyone’s confidence remains high.”

The workers have been stuck inside for more than 11 days. Some days ago, some workers had also complained of battling depression and according to media reports, anti-depressants, along with some dry fruits and multivitamins were sent to the workers.

“Some workers have also complained of constipation and medicines were provided to them,” Uttarakhand government secretary Neeraj Khairwal said.

Once freed, the workers are expected to receive both psychological help as well as physical check-ups, having battled the trauma of being trapped for so many days.

Why progress in tunnel rescue has been so slow

07:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Geotechnical engineers suggest that the slow progress in rescue efforts to free the 41 trapped workers in Uttarkashi could be because of factors such as the collapse taking on an unstable chimney-shaped form and the use of rotating drills that disintegrate rock debris instead of penetrating it.

“One possibility is the formation of a chimney-shaped collapse along an unsupported tunnel section within the rubble,” Ashish Juneja, professor of civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay told Telegraph India.

“When you try to drill through this unstable debris, loose soil and rocks will keep falling from the top, stalling progress.”“The more material you remove, the more it falls from the top,” he said.

Another factor influencing the slow progress in the rescue efforts could be the way boulders or rocks embedded within the rubble react to the drilling operations.“The drills used are likely strong enough to penetrate and tear through the rock, but sometimes drills cause the boulder to just rotate and stay where it is. Then you can’t go further,” Mr Juneja said.

“In such circumstances, you would need to use chisels or hammers or other instruments to dislodge the boulder — and that can also slow progress.”

India to audit dozens of tunnels after Silkyara collapse

07:24 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The National Highways Authority of India [NHAI] is going to do a safety audit of 29 tunnels it is building, a statement by the government of India said.

“To ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards during construction, NHAI will undertake safety audit of all 29 under-construction tunnels across the country,” the statement said.

How did the tunnel collapse

07:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The workers have been trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi in northern Indian state of Uttarakhand since 12 November when a landslide struck the region.

Due to the landslide, a portion of the 4.5-kilometre tunnel the workers were building collapsed about 200 metres from the entrance.The under-construction tunnel is part of the prime minister Narendra Modi administration’s multi-million dollar Char Dham project that aims to link four Hindu holy sites in the state.

Uttarakhand is known for its mountainous terrain and is adorned with Hindu temples that draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The state is also prone to landslides due to its geographical location. The state has witnessed ongoing construction of highways and buildings to cater to the steady influx of visitors.

Jharkhand government to airlift 15 trapped workers from the state

06:49 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Jharkhand government is reportedly planning on airlifting the workers from the state after their evacuation, India Today reported.

An official from the labour department of the Jharkhand government told news agencies that the 15 workers from the state, who are trapped inside the tunnel, shall be airlifted after the rescue teams bring them out to safety.

Workers expected to be out by ‘the end of the day’

06:46 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Director General of NDRF, Atul Karwal told media today that the “auger machine has started operating again” and that “we are estimating to send 2-3 pipes of 6 metres inside. Hopefully, by the end of the day, if we do not get any obstacles, the rescue operation will be completed”.

What we know so far about the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation

06:13 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The rescue operation to reach the 41 trapped workers inside the Silkyara tunnel has entered its final stages with just 12 metres of drilling remaining.

However, it is expected to take 12 or more hours to finally reach the workers, Bhaskar Khulbe, a former adviser to the prime minister said today at the tunnel site in Uttarkashi.

Ambulances and doctors have reached the site and are on standby. It is being reported that a team of doctors will first enter the tunnel via the pipe and examine the workers who have been trapped for more than 11 days today and then help them evacuate.

On Tuesday, the first visuals from the tunnel emerged after an endoscopic camera was inserted via a pipe to the relief of the immediate family members of the workers.

After several halts and delays over days due to the technical difficulties of drilling through the rubble, the workers are now expected to be out soon.

The chief minister of Uttarakhand has reached the Silkyara tunnel site today.

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, who reached the tunnel site this morning, told ANI that they are now close and it is like being at the “front door and ... knocking on it”.

“We know that the guys are there on the other side. I am going to have a look and see what is happening,” he said.As the operation is in its final stages, the rescue teams are now ready with post-rescue action plan.

Rescue workers 'will take 12 - 14 hours' more to reach workers

05:47 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Rescue workers could still take 12 to 14 hours more to complete drilling and reach the workers, Bhaskar Khulbe, a former adviser to the prime minister, was quoted as saying by News18.

Meanwhile, the chief minister of Uttarakhand has reached the Silkyara collapsed tunnel site.

As the operation is in its final stages, the rescue teams are now ready with post-rescue action plan.

It was also reported that prayers are being offered at a makeshift temple made at the entrance of the tunnel as family members of the trapped workers wait in anticipation.

Rescue team close to workers: ‘It is like being at the front door and knocking on it’

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The rescue teams have just 12 metres more to drill to reach the trapped workers, reports said.

Anticipation is building up among the family members of the workers who have been waiting outside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, who reached the tunnel site this morning, told ANI that they are now close and it is like being at the “front door and ... knocking on it”.

“We know that the guys are there on the other side. I am going to have a look and see what is happening,” he said.

Expert weighs in on reasons behind the slow progress in tunnel rescue operation

05:25 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Geotechnical engineers suggest that the slow progress in rescue efforts to free the 41 trapped workers in Uttarkashi could be because of factors such as the collapse taking on an unstable chimney-shaped form and the use of rotating drills that disintegrate rock debris instead of penetrating it.

“One possibility is the formation of a chimney-shaped collapse along an unsupported tunnel section within the rubble,” Ashish Juneja, professor of civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay told Telegraph India.

“When you try to drill through this unstable debris, loose soil and rocks will keep falling from the top, stalling progress.”

“The more material you remove, the more it falls from the top,” he said.

Another factor influencing the slow progress in the rescue efforts could be the way boulders or rocks embedded within the rubble react to the drilling operations.“The drills used are likely strong enough to penetrate and tear through the rock, but sometimes drills cause the boulder to just rotate and stay where it is. Then you can’t go further,” Mr Juneja said.

“In such circumstances, you would need to use chisels or hammers or other instruments to dislodge the boulder — and that can also slow progress.”

NDRF chief hoping to ‘rescue the workers soon’

05:17 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Director General of National Disaster Response Force, Atul Karwal told ANI this morning: “NDRF is ready for all the consequences that we may have to face. Special equipment is also ready so that we can take the trapped workers out as early as possible. Our teams are ready as I hope we will be able to rescue the workers soon.”

Workers provided essentials like toothbrushes and towels and medicines after audio communication channel established

05:07 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Besides medicine and hot meals, rescue teams have also provided the trapped tunnel workers with undergarments, towels, toothbrushes and other essentials.

On Tuesday, the first visuals of the 41 trapped workers emerged after an endoscopic camera was sent through a pipe which captured the workers’ first images since 12 November.

An audio communication channel was also successfully established with the workers after sending a microphone and speaker to the other end of a six-inch pipe.

An official told the Indian Express that “on this side, we are using headphones to talk to them”.

“Using this channel, our doctors talked to them and asked about their wellbeing. Some of them complained of constipation and medicines were provided,” Uttarakhand government secretary, Neeraj Khairwal said.

CM reaches Uttarkashi as rescue operation reaches final stages

04:49 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The chief minister of Uttarakhand state reached Uttarkashi district this morning as preparations to evacuate the 41 trapped workers reached the final stage.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Pushkar Singh Dhami is present in Uttarkashi as medical equipment reached the site to pull the workers to safety.

After reports of a snag, it is now being reported that drilling has resumed and anticipation among family members who have been waiting outside for days is peaking.

Team of doctors to examine trapped workers before evacuating them

04:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A team of doctors will be the first to go inside the tunnel to examine the workers before they are evacuated to safety, reports said.

The operation is at a critical stage after reports that drilling hit a snag this morning, but officials still say the workers will most likely be out today.

Ambulances are on standby and disaster response teams have entered the tunnel entrance equipped with stretchers and other tools to carry the workers to safety.

‘We are far better off than we were yesterday’

04:29 , Maroosha Muzaffar

“We are far better off than we were yesterday,” retired Lieutenant General of the Indian Army, Syed Ata Hasnain — who is also a member of the Indian government’s National Disaster Management Authority [NDMA] said.

In an interview with India Today, Mr Ata Hasnain said that “I would always place a caution. The job being done is hugely technological. It is being wonderfully done with the equipment fabricated, improvised, everything. But the geology of the Himalayan region is not a geology with which you can have any predictions.”

He added: “You know, the kind of obstacles we came across on the 16th, 17th of November, those kind of obstacles put us off by almost five days. So, therefore, I will hold my horses, but I will definitely say we are far better off than we were yesterday.”

ICYMI: First visuals of Indian workers trapped inside tunnel

04:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Makeshift hospital for the 41 trapped workers

04:02 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Ambulances and doctors are on standby as the rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel site enters its final stages.

At the community health centre in Chinyalisaur, Uttarakhand, a makeshift 41-bed hospital has been made for the medical examination and treatment of the trapped workers after their evacuation.

The 41 men have been trapped inside the tunnel for more than 11 days.

All hospitals in the Uttarkashi district as well as AIIMS Rishikesh are on alert, officials said.

Last leg of rescue operation halted as last pipe bent due to obstacle

04:01 , Maroosha Muzaffar

There are reports coming in from the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse site that the rescue operation might have been halted and is expected to resume in the afternoon.

The Times of India reported that the final leg of the operation in which the last 800mm pipe was being placed, has reportedly bent due to an obstacle in its way. It said that a team of experts has been called in from Delhi to correct it.

The team is expected to reach the site within a few hours.

BBC News is also reporting that rescue teams “found metal bars that they couldn’t cut through”.

Last pipe to create passageway for trapped workers being inserted

03:48 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The placement of the last pipe, which will create a passageway for the trapped workers, is currently underway at the site.

The final phase of rescue operations at the Silkyara tunnel started earlier today, as officials said preparations were in place to ensure prompt medical attention for the workers once they are safely evacuated.

An electrician on-site reported that the placement of the last pipe is currently underway, News18 reported.

The workers might have been freed earlier on Wednesday night, but progress faced a slight setback late Wednesday when the auger machine encountered some iron rods obstructing the drilling of 800 mm diameter steel pipes through the rubble.

Rescue operation in final stages

03:24 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The 41 trapped tunnel workers could be out today as the rescue operation has entered its final stages.

Several family members of the trapped men have been outside the tunnel this morning waiting with bated breath for their loved ones to be pulled out to safety.

Inderjeet, a brother of one of the trapped workers, told the Indian Express: “It will be Diwali for us if he comes out today.”

Girish Singh Rawat, a member of the rescue team, was quoted by the Hindustan Times early today as saying that the workers could be out within one to two hours.

“The rescue operation is almost in the last stage, I hope the result will come in one to two hours... a pipeline is being inserted to take out the workers... the steel pieces that were stuck in the debris were cut and removed,” Mr Rawat said.

02:54 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Good morning and welcome to Independent’s live coverage of the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation.