Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday expressed delight after 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi were safely rescued following efforts by the team for the last 17 days. Taking to X, Gadkari stated: "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."
"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.
Expressing delight, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated: "It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound. Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long. My heartfelt gratitude to all the people and the agencies that have made tireless efforts to save the lives of our fellow citizens."
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami oversees as workers who were rescued from the Silkyara tunnel are being taken to Hospital in ambulances, ANI reported.
"I feel extremely happy with the news of safe rescue of all the workers trapped in the tunnel accident in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The whole country was keeping an eye on this operation. The entire country has heaved a sigh of relief with its success. This is a moment of joy for the families of all laborers," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.
"The safe return of the labor brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is a very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Praising rescue workers, Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh stated: "After a harrowing 17 days the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are being evacuated. The entire country salutes the remarkable resilience and fortitude of the workers themselves. The nation also applauds the dedication, skill and perseverance of the entire rescue team and thanks them wholeheartedly."
"It is a matter of great relief and joy for all of us that the workers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara, Uttarkashi for the last 17 days were taken out of the tunnel safely today," Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted.
Taking to X, Sadhguru stated: "Congratulations to all involved in the stupendous rescue effort in the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse. Tremendous endurance of people trapped underground for more than 16 days. Wishes and Blessings."
The 41 workers were trapped after an under-construction tunnel, part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed on November 12 in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. The administration immediately swung into action and teams of National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force reached the spot to safely evacuate the workers.
CM Dhami had earlier informed that the work of pipe laying was completed bu the team and workers could be out anytime soon.
The rescue efforts reached a critical stage on Thursday after days and nights of cutting through the debris which was paused several times due to hard objects obstructing the drilling machine. Food and other essential items were being passed to the workers and a medical team present at the site was communicating with the workers. Medicines including anti-depressants were being given to the workers throughout the rescue efforts. Food items like rotis, sabzi, khichdi, daliya, oranges, and bananas were being supplied to the labourers.
First visuals of the trapped workers emerged on Tuesday after an endoscopic camera was sent through a six-inch pipeline which facilitated the relatives of the workers to communicate with them. However, the breakdown of the auger machine let to the halt of operations after which the rescuers decided to employ vertical and manual drilling methods.
A medical team of 15 doctors, including chest specialists, was also present at the site Twelve ambulances were on standby at the spot, and the plan was to keep a fleet of 40 ready.
Prime Minister Modi had also been constantly reviewing the progress. He spoke to CM Dhami several times during the course of the rescue operation and took stock of the progress. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister called up Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami once again and took information regarding the relief and rescue work of workers trapped in the tunnel in Silkyara.
According to Uttarakhand CMO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about the well-being of the workers trapped in the tunnel. The Prime Minister received complete information regarding drilling. He said that along with the safety of the workers trapped inside, special care should also be taken for the safety of the people engaged in relief work outside. He said that the families of the workers trapped inside should not face any kind of problem. The Prime Minister also discussed the upcoming strategy.