Vertical Drilling of 36 meters Completed inside Uttarkashi Tunnel

Mahmood Ahmad, the Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), provided an update on the ongoing efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped inside Uttarkashi Silkayara tunnel. During a press conference, Ahmad revealed that vertical drilling of 36 meters has been successfully completed, and an additional 50 meters is required to reach the tunnel crust.

He mentioned, "The work of vertical drilling is also going on which is being executed by SJVNL. As of now, vertical drilling of 36 meters has been completed. We have to drill 50 meters more. We will take all actions, and we hope that we move forward quickly." Neeraj Khairwal, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government, emphasized that it is challenging to estimate specific timelines for the drilling operations.

Khairwal stated, "After taking out the part of Auger that was struck inside the tunnel was taken out. 1.9 meters that was cut, in that, the first 220 mm was pushed, and was taken out. There was concern that it may not be pushed, but now we would not have to go on an alternate method. Then again 500 mm was pushed. Rat miners pushed that part." He acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the timeline but expressed hope for a swift resolution.

Earlier, Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain of the National Disaster Management Authority had indicated the necessity of 86 meters of vertical drilling. Despite the challenges, officials reassured that the 41 workers inside the tunnel are stable and safe.

Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain provided an update on the situation inside the tunnel, stating, "Things are under control. Food and medicine are going inside as per requirements. Psychological aspects are also given importance. Backup communications have been established. Our plan two was vertical drilling. Now approximately 30 meters have been achieved."

He further informed that the broken blades of the auger machine, a crucial piece of equipment, have been fully retrieved, and manual drilling will commence with the assistance of the Indian Army engineers, rat miners, and other technicians.

Micro tunnelling expert Chris Cooper reported that all debris from the auger machine has been removed, and the initiation of manual drilling to reach the trapped laborers is imminent. The incident occurred on November 12 when a section of the tunnel collapsed, trapping the workers during the construction process.