An under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district collapsed at dawn on Sunday, trapping 40 workers inside. While an official report is awaited, Manoj Garnayak, a former project director at L&T and an expert in underground construction, explains how it could have happened — and how it could have been prevented.
Father trapped inside Uttarkashi tunnel, son gets a word in: ‘He told me they are doing okay’
The work of removing the debris is going on continuously to rescue the workers trapped in the tunnel.( Express photo by Avaneesh Mishra)
As the operation to rescue 40 men trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi makes steady but slow progress, anxiety levels among their families are rising. Uttarakhand resident Maharaj Singh Negi, whose brother Gabbar Singh Negi is trapped inside, arrived at the site late Monday night with his family, including Gabbar’s son Akash.
Akash managed to communicate with his father using a walkie-talkie. During the conversation, Gabbar reassured him about their well being and told him they were in continuous communication with the rescue team. As the operation to rescue 40 men trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi makes steady but slow progress, anxiety levels among their families are rising.
Uttarakhand resident Maharaj Singh Negi, whose brother Gabbar Singh Negi is trapped inside, arrived at the site late Monday night with his family, including Gabbar’s son Akash. Akash managed to communicate with his father using a walkie-talkie. During the conversation, Gabbar reassured him about their well being and told him they were in continuous communication with the rescue team.
“He mentioned that they are doing well and receiving regular food packets. After our conversation, I immediately contacted my mother, who was deeply concerned,” Akash said. Read more
