All 41 workers who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand since November 12 were successfully rescued on Tuesday.
Soon after the rescue operation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones.”
“The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough. I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork,” he added.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh, met with the rescued workers.
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The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12, causing debris to fall in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side and trapping the labourers in the ongoing construction.
Harpal Singh, Project Head of Zoji-la Tunnel, stated that the breakthrough occurred at precisely 7:05 pm, with the Uttarakhand CM and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh present at the site.
CM Dhami commended the morale and courage of the workers and rescue personnel. Simultaneously, NDRF and SDRF personnel entered the tunnel for ongoing rescue operations.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami and other officials arrived at the Silkyara tunnel rescue site, emphasising the urgency of the situation caused by the tunnel collapse on November 12.
With inputs from ANI