After more than 400 hours, rescuers successfully reached 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel since November 12. Despite setbacks during the rescue operation, miners persevered. The drilling machine failed, so miners manually dug the last 12 meters to reach the trapped men. The first worker was rescued around 8 pm and transported to a medical center by ambulance. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh met with the rescued workers.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the workers will undergo medical observation before heading home. He also declared a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for each of the 41 construction workers. Dhami added plans for the reconstruction of Baukhnag temple and a review of tunnels under construction in the hill state.
Rescued Tunnel Workers Transferred to Health Center – What Comes Next?
The 41 workers, rescued from the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, are now under 24-hour medical observation at Chinyalisaur community health center. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the next steps will be determined based on doctors’ recommendations. Despite the unusual environment they faced, all workers are reported to be in good health. The Uttarakhand government announced Rs 1 lakh assistance for each worker and requested a 15-day paid leave for them. Jharkhand and Odisha plan air travel for their workers, while other states await medical checkups. The rescued workers hail from various states, and a safety audit for Uttarakhand tunnels is underway.