U'khand Tunnel Rescue: PMO Official At Spot As Labourers Trapped For Over 140 Hours, Vertical Drilling Likely

Tunnel Rescue Op: Teams are present at the Uttarakhand tunnel which collapsed last Sunday trapping 40 labourers inside. Drilling halted following a technical snag and is likely to resume soon.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: The efforts to rescue 40 trapped workers in the Uttarkashi tunnel have entered day seven. Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal has arrived at the spot, hours after the drilling was halted after workers heard a 'cracking' sound and due to a technical glitch. Former PMO advisor Bhaskar Khulbe also visited the incident site and said PM Narendra Modi's message was to begin the operation as soon as possible. He said they don't lack any resources and options and what was required was some coordinated action.

"We'll not leave a single possibility to explore any way since it's our priority to reach those who are stuck for days here. We don't lack any resources, options and ideas, we just need some coordinated action and we are trying to make teams and reach there somehow..." Khulbe said.

"We are also exploring the option of vertical drilling...We are also getting help from foreign consultants...PM Modi's message is to do this operation as soon as possible," he added.

Geomapping team and drilling machines have also arrived at the Silkyara tunnel in which 40 workers have been stuck since last week. Geologist Warun Adhikari visited the site and said they are exploring different possibilities including geomapping.

"Geologists from the relevant organisations are here, we'll listen to their prospects then we'll decide the possibilities...RVNL, JVVNL...are here and we are also including ONGC, we are trying to contact all the PSUs," he said.