In a race against time, the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation has intensified, utilizing vertical drilling as a primary strategy. The vertical drilling machine, pressed into service after the failure of the American auger’s horizontal drilling attempt, has made significant progress, with approximately 20 meters drilled as of Sunday night.
With the urgency of the situation in mind, a contingency plan has been devised, including manual drilling set to commence on Monday morning. The Indian Army will supervise this phase, expected to take around 18 hours, aiming to remove the metal plates left by the unsuccessful auger operation.
Notably, a medical support system is also being established, with a team of doctors and a 41-bed hospital facility near the collapse site, ensuring swift medical attention for the rescued workers.
Key Updates on Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue:
1. Vertical Drilling Advancement: The vertical drilling into the Silkyara tunnel is progressing rapidly, covering approximately 20 meters. A total of 86 meters needs to be drilled to create a safe passage for the trapped workers.
2. Manual Drilling: Manual drilling, supervised by the Indian Army, is slated to start today. This critical step aims to extract the metal plates left by the American auger and is anticipated to take around 18 hours.
3. Comprehensive Rescue Plans:The central and state governments have formulated six rescue plans for the Uttarkashi mission. In case of vertical drilling setbacks, alternative approaches such as sideways drilling and drift technology are on standby to ensure the trapped workers’ safe extraction.
4. Timeline for Completion: While no specific timeframe has been provided for the final phase’s completion, the pace of vertical drilling suggests a possible conclusion within the next 24-36 hours. Mahmood Ahmed, Managing Director of NHIDCL, mentioned that the drilling process could conclude by Thursday, November 30, barring unforeseen obstacles.
5. Pipe Installation: Rescuers are actively inserting a 700 mm pipe into the drilled portion of the tunnel, providing a secure passage for the trapped workers during the extraction process. An additional 200 mm pipe serves as a backup.
As the nation anxiously awaits updates on the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue, every effort is being exerted to navigate the complexities of the operation and ensure the safe retrieval of the 41 trapped workers. Stay tuned for further developments.
