National Desk, 19th November: As the rescue operation for 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi entered its 8th day, officials are now considering vertical drilling from the top of the tunnel if the ongoing horizontal method proves unsuccessful.
Additionally, there is optimism that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) will complete the construction of a new road to the Silkyara tunnel by Sunday afternoon. This alternate route would provide an additional means of reaching the trapped workers, allowing the rescue mission to proceed.
International tunneling expert Professor Arnold Dix, who was enlisted to assist in the rescue efforts, is en route to India and has discussed his rescue plan. While drilling work resumed on Saturday, officials are now focusing on multiple strategies simultaneously, including drilling from both ends of the tunnel, drilling straight down from the top, and drilling at a right angle.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and on-site experts have decided to pursue these multiple plans concurrently, ensuring a comprehensive approach to expedite the rescue process. Foreign consultants are also contributing their expertise to the operation. The PMO emphasized that they have abundant resources, options, and ideas for the rescue mission.