DEHRADUN: The Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, which partially collapsed after being severely affected by landslides last year, is now on the brink of a major breakthrough.
Insiders involved in the tunnel construction project have disclosed that a two-drift tunnel solution is being implemented to address the accumulated debris and water within the main tunnel. With 47 meters of excavation already completed in one drift tunnel, only seven meters remain, which are expected to be finished within 10 days. The remaining two drift tunnels are anticipated to be completed over the next two months, facilitating the prompt reopening of the Silkyara Tunnel.
NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), the executing agency, is constructing drift tunnels under expert supervision to remove the debris accumulated inside the tunnel.
According to Rajesh Panwar, Project Manager at Navayuga Engineering, the company contracted for the tunnel's construction, "Following the solidification of the debris, excavation of the drift tunnel is being carried out with caution. If all goes as planned, vehicular movement after the clearance of debris is expected to be possible within two months at most."
"We're pleased to see that the tunnel construction, which was hindered for an extended period following the accident, has regained momentum and is now advancing swiftly," noted officials, who are hopeful about the project's progress.
On November 12 last year, a landslide occurred in the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel on the Yamunotri Highway, part of the Char Dham Road Project, trapping 41 workers inside the tunnel.
After an intense 17-day rescue operation involving top agencies and relief teams from around the world, all workers were safely rescued. Since then, debris from the landslide on the Silkyara side of the tunnel has been hindering its construction.