Tunnel rescue began with vertical drilling; Indian forces are also on the mission

Dehradun: Even after 15 days have passed since the workers were trapped in the tunnel in Uttarakhand, the rescue operation is in crisis. With this, the Indian Army also joined the mission. The experts from Madras Sappers, a unit of the Army’s Engineering Corps, arrived.

As an alternative mission, steep drilling from the top of the mountain began yesterday afternoon. In the evening, drilling was done up to 15 meters.

After reaching a depth of 86 meters, the upper part of the tunnel will start to be demolished. Drilling is done directly by experts.

It was said yesterday that manual drilling would begin to clear the debris in the tunnel, but only after cutting the blade of the auger machine stuck in the pipe. Cutting the blades with plasma cutter is in progress. The blade is about 14 meters long and yet to be cut. Once this is also cut, the auger machine can be pulled out completely. Only after that the manual task can be started. A plasma cutter may be able to cut metals and iron bars. Even if manual drilling is started, it can take up to 18 hours to drill 10 to 15 meters. Officials say vertical drilling is continuing and horizontal drilling in the tunnel has not been abandoned.
Food, medicine and other essentials are being delivered to the workers.

Meanwhile, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Managing Director Mahmood Ahmed informed that a committee has been formed to resolve the issue. The first objective is to get the workers out safely.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami consoled the families of the workers. He informed that the workers will be brought out safely as soon as possible.

A trial run of the rescue operation was held the previous day. A trial was held to rescue people from the tunnel using a stretcher. A 41-bed hospital has been set up for rescue workers.

Auger machine failed. There are technical difficulties in getting the auger out of the pipe. Brave men in progress cutting with plasma cutters.

– International tunnel expert

Arnold Dix

And the army

The Indian Army also joined the rescue mission. Manual drilling is carried out by a joint team of the Army and a team of technicians from the Trenchless Company. BSNL has set up a telephone exchange at the site. Can make incoming and outgoing calls.