All the forty-one workers who were trapped inside Uttarakhand’s Silkyari tunnel since November 12 were evacuated safely today. The rescued workers were draped in orange marigold flower garlands and were greeted by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister VK Singh.
The trapped workers were pulled out through 57 metres of steel pipe on stretchers fitted with wheels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in praising the courage and patience of the trapped workers and their families and the bravery and determination of the rescue personnel.
“The success of the rescue operation of our labourer brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to those 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, our friends will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough,” he wrote on X.
On November 12, a section of the tunnel between 205 and 260 metres from the Silkyara side collapsed. Workers who were beyond the 260-metre mark were trapped, with their exit blocked.
After the successful evacuation of all 41 workers who were trapped inside Uttarakhand’s Silkyari tunnel for 17 days, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed gratitude to all those who were behind the rescue operation.
He also praised the determination of those trapped people who suffered such adversity without giving up hope.
Taking on his social media X, EAM Jaishankar stated, “We will leave no stone unturned to protect our own. Heartfelt gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the tunnel.