Race to Save 40 Trapped Workers in India Tunnel Collapse in Uttarakhand

Around 40 workers have been trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand since Sunday. The workers were building the tunnel when it collapsed due to a landslide, trapping them inside. Fortunately, officials have been in touch with the trapped men and have been providing them with food, water, and oxygen. The rescue operation is underway and authorities expect to free the workers by Tuesday night or Wednesday. The tunnel is part of a major highway project in Uttarakhand, aimed at improving connectivity to popular pilgrimage sites in the state. Uttarakhand is known for its mountainous terrain, Himalayan peaks, and holy sites for Hindus. The incident occurred early on Sunday when a section of the Silkyara tunnel collapsed while the workers were inside. Heavy debris from a nearby landslide blocked the tunnel, cutting off the oxygen supply for the trapped workers. Contact was established with them on Sunday night using walkie-talkies, and a pipeline originally used for construction work is now providing them with essential supplies. Rescuers are facing the challenge of digging through several meters of debris before they can begin the evacuation. Heavy machinery is being utilized to clear the wreckage. The state government has also announced plans to drill and insert a large metal pipe to reach the workers. Both national and state disaster relief teams are coordinating efforts to rescue the workers, and the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand assures that every possible effort is being made to safely rescue them.