Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix arrives at Uttarkashi tunnel collapse site, says ‘We’ll get them out’

UTTARAKASHI (Uttarakhand): Efforts to rescue the 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel collapse site continue at fever pace. The workers have been trapped for close to 216 hours since November 12.

Today, International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association president Arnold Dix arrived at the location in Silkyara, 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 the actual safety performance from an operational safety perspective. He also provides advise on risks associated with underground construction and is widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on underground tunnelling.

#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

Professor Dix conducted an inspection at 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.

“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 are rescued but also the men who are rescuing 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”, Professor Dix said as he arrived at the collapse site.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue operation | President of International Tunneling Underground Space Professor, Arnold Dix arrives at Silkyara tunnel as rescue operation to bring out the stranded victims is underway.

He also offered prayers at a temple that is… pic.twitter.com/EJViIFcmee

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

Meanwhile, the Uttrakhand government and the Centre are keeping constant communication and making all efforts to keep up the morale of the labourers trapped in the 2 km built tunnel portion. Electricity and water are available in this portion of the tunnel and labourers are provided food items such as channa, murmure, dryfruits and medicines etc., through 4-inch compressor pipeline.

The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) is creating another 6-inch pipeline for food. For this pipe, drilling of 39 metres out of 60 metres is completed. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has started working on another vertical pipeline for supply for essential items. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed an approach road in just one day for facilitating RVNL.

The NHIDCL will also continue to drill from Silkyara end after working out safety arrangements. The Army has prepared the box culvert to facilitate this. Further, Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation (THDC) will start work of micro tunnelling from Barkot end for which heavy machinery has been mobilised.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel incident | Prayers being offered at a temple that has been built at the main entrance of the tunnel where rescue operations to bring out the stranded victims are underway.

A part of the Silkyara tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi on November… pic.twitter.com/9Ndtc9U47N

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

The Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) will do the vertical drilling to rescue the trapped labourers. Accordingly, equipment has been mobilised from Gujarat and Odisha. TheONGC has also started the initial work for vertical drilling from Barkot end. The BRO has already started approach road for mobilisation machines of ONGC and SJVNL.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and discussed the ongoing operations to rescue the 41 workers who have been trapped since last week in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.

On November 12, it was reported that collapse occurred in under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to muck fallen in 60-metre stretch in Silkyara side of the tunnel trapping 41 workers. It was decided to lay a 900 mm pipe through the muck as it was the fastest possible solution. However, on November 17, because of ground movement, it became unsafe to continue with this option. It was then decided to move on multiple fronts together. Five options were decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options.

Meanwhile, locals and relatives of the workers have been offering prayers being at a temple that has been built at the main entrance of the tunnel where rescue operations are being conducted. (ANI)