DEHRADUN: Efforts are underway to rescue 40 workers trapped inside a tunnel under construction in Uttarakhand after it collapsed. Officials report that no one was injured and communication is maintained through walkie-talkies. Food and water are being delivered via a pipeline. The rescue operation led by National and State Disaster Management Forces is focused on clearing debris within the 13-meter-wide tunnel.

The collapsed section is 200 meters from the entrance. About 20 meters of debris was removed with machinery. The fire brigade and personnel from the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited are aiding in the rescue. The incident occurred in Uttarkashi at 4 am on Sunday during the construction of a tunnel connecting Dandalgaon and Silkyara, part of the Chardham Road project.

A gap was created in the debris to pass an oxygen pipe ensuring the trapped workers' well-being. The tunnel, constructed by the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited aims to reduce the distance from Uttarkashi to Yamanothri Dham to 26 km if the project is completed.