Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: International Tunneling expert inspects site, says 'We will find solution...'

According to the officials, Professor Dix conducted an inspection at the Silkyara tunnel site and spoke to the agencies that have been involved in the rescue operations.

Alina Khan

• Last Updated : 20 November 2023, 01:35 PM IST

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It's been 216 hours since the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse incident happened on November 12. Efforts are constantly made to rescue the 41 workers trapped at the Sikyara tunnel collapse site.

International Tunnelling expert arrives at collapse site

On Monday, the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association president Arnold Dix arrived at the location site in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi to aid in the rescue efforts.

Professor Arnold Dix specialises in underground and transportation infrastructure - from construction risk to more technical issues associated with actual safety performance from an operational safety perspective. He also provides advice on risks associated with underground construction and is widely recognised as the World's leading expert on underground tunnelling.

According to the officials, Professor Dix inspected the Silkyara tunnel site and spoke to the agencies that have been involved in the rescue operations. With multiple agencies and plans in place to evacuate the trapped workers, Professor Dix appears confident of finding an optimum solution to rescue the workers.

Speaking to ANI, Dix said, "We are going to get those men out. Great work is being done here. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out. A lot of work is being done here. It is important that not only the men rescued but also the men who are rescued are safe. The whole world is helping. The team here is fantastic. The plans are looking fantastic. The work is very systematic. The food and the medication are being provided properly."

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue operation | International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix says "It is looking good, but we have to decide whether it is actually good or is it a trap. It is looking very positive as we have the best experts in Himalayan geology with… pic.twitter.com/IcnmHjGfRw

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

PM Modi holds telephonic call with CM Dhami

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and discussed the ongoing operations to rescue the workers.

As per the Uttarakhand CMO's statement, PM Modi said that the Central Government is providing the necessary rescue equipment and resources and that the workers will be evacuated safely with mutual coordination between the centre and the Uttarakhand government.

The PM added that there is a need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers.

RVNL to initiate work

Early this morning, heavy machines were seen arriving at the Silkyara tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway that had collapsed in the early hours of November 12.

The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is all set to initiate work on a vertical pipeline to provide essential items, facilitated by the completed approach road by the Border Roads Organisation in just one day.

Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) is also all geared up for vertical drilling for which equipment was mobilized from Gujarat and Odisha through Railways as the 75-ton equipment could not be airlifted.

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