The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that a third party will conduct inspections and safety audits of 12 under-construction tunnels in Himachal Pradesh. This decision comes in the wake of the Uttarkashi Silkyara tunnel incident, where 41 workers have been trapped for the past 13 days.
Abdul Basit, NHAI Regional Officer, stated that the safety audit will thoroughly analyze factors such as rock stability and construction materials. Vertical drilling machines will be stationed near the tunnels, ready for use in case of emergencies. The NHAI aims to learn from the Uttarakhand incident and implement remedial steps based on the safety audit’s suggestions.
A total of 68 tunnels, measuring 85 km and expected to reduce road distance by about 130 km, are planned for construction in Himachal Pradesh. Of these, 12 are already completed, 12 are under construction, and work on 14 will commence in six months. Detailed project reports are being prepared for the remaining 30 tunnels.
As a precautionary measure, the NHAI has suggested placing vertical pipes at tunnel construction sites to supply oxygen and food in case of emergencies. NHAI officials have also directed contractors to maintain a list of machinery available in nearby areas to ensure timely emergency response.
Project directors have been warned against any laxity in safety measures, and mock drills are encouraged to assess the preparedness of evacuation plans. The NHAI is committed to prioritizing safety in tunnel construction projects and learning from past incidents.
By PTI
