Dehradun: The Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, which partially collapsed in November last year entrapping 41 workers, is soon to get a drift tunnel which can be a major breakthrough in the tunnel construction process. As per the sources, 52 meters of excavation is complete by now.
Drift tunnels are being constructed using the latest technology
The tragic incident on November 12, 2023, in the Silkyara Tunnel of Uttarkashi, is still etched in the memories of the entire nation and the world. For 17 days, 41 workers battled between life and death, emerging victoriously from the dark tunnel after relentless efforts made by various agencies India and abroad. Since then, efforts to clear the debris inside the Silkyara Tunnel have been ongoing. Drift tunnels are being constructed using the latest technology. It is reported that only 8 meters of excavation remain to complete one of the drift tunnels.
It will take one or two months to get completed
If all goes according to plan, movement will soon resume over the landslide debris that has obstructed the construction of the Silkyara Tunnel. The excavation of one of the two drift tunnels within the debris has reached 52 meters. Only 8 meters of excavation remain, which is expected to take one to two months to complete. Rajesh Panwar, the project manager of the construction company, stated that the debris is being solidified before carefully excavating the drift tunnel. Panwar mentioned that if all goes well, movement across the debris will be possible within one to two months, facilitating the removal of the debris by cutting through it. The tunnel work is gradually gaining momentum and excavation work is also continuing from the Barkot end.
Once this is completed, movement across the debris will be possible
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is overseeing the construction of drift tunnels to clear the debris inside the Silkyara Tunnel, under expert supervision. Three small tunnels are planned within the main tunnel, with two currently being excavated. One of these has reached a depth of approximately 52 meters, leaving only 8 meters to go. Once this is completed, movement across the debris will be possible. Additionally, excavation from the Silkyara end will continue, allowing work from the opposite end to remove the obstructing debris.
