Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: PM Modi dials CM Dhami as rescue ops to save trapped workers cross 1-week mark

In a phone call with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the collapse of the Uttarkashi tunnel and gave the assurance that the Central government would provide all necessary resources and rescue equipment. Since November 12, when a section of the Silkyara tunnel collapsed, at least 41 laborers have been stuck inside.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami," the Uttarakhand CMO announced. The PM obtained updates regarding the ongoing efforts to provide relief and rescue efforts for the labourers stranded in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel. According to PM Modi, the central government is supplying the tools and resources required for rescue operations."

PM Modi emphasised once more that state and federal agencies will work together to safely evacuate the workers. Prime Minister Modi stated, "There is a need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers."

The Prime Minister discussed the rescue efforts at the Silkyara tunnel with Dhami for the third time. The chief minister gave specifics regarding the state of the laborers who are stranded in the tunnel and receiving regular supplies of water, food, and oxygen. Dhami also gave him a briefing on the rescue efforts, stating that all agencies are coordinating closely with one another and seeking advice from experts to execute the rescue operations.

Dhami went on to say that he has inspected the location and is continuously keeping an eye on the rescue efforts. He emphasised that every effort is being made to get the workers out as soon as possible. He told PM Modi that in addition to a team from the Prime Minister's Office supervising rescue efforts, medical teams are positioned at the location.

This morning, large vehicles intended to aid in the rescue operation made their way to the Silkyara tunnel via the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway. Neeraj Khanna, the Nodal Secretary, stated that the rescue team has been instructed to finish the operation as soon as possible.

The government's top priority, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is saving the 41 stranded workers. "The biggest priority is saving the trapped workers and getting them out as soon as possible," he declared.