Silkyara Tunnel Collapse: Nitin Gadkari praises rescue personnel after all workers evacuated

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari congratulated the agencies involved after all the 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarakhand were successfully rescued on Tuesday evening. “I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results,” Gadkari said in a statement on social media. “I express gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation. Deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response,” he added. The union minister also thanked PM Narendra Modi Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami for aiding the successful operation. “I take this opportunity to thank the Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, who has been constantly monitoring the entire operation and providing guidance and support whenever required. CM Uttarakhand Shri @pushkardhami Ji and my colleague Shri @Gen_VKSingh Ji almost camped there during the operation. Last but not least, I thank the officers and engineers of MoRTH for their sincere efforts,” Gadkari wrote. All 41 trapped workers were rescued from the Silkyari tunnel in Uttarakhand on Tuesday evening. The successful evacuation followed several days of painstaking and tense recue efforts by several agencies. The successful rescue effort drew cheers and jubilation from the crowd of rescue workers and assembled locals. A portion of the tunnel that was located between 205 and 260 metres from the Silkyara side collapsed on November 12. Workers trapped with their exit blocked were those who had crossed the 260-meter mark.