"Exploring as many options as possible to rescue workers": Former PMO advisor on Uttarkashi tunnel incident

Speaking to ANI, Bhaskar Khulbe said, "We are exploring as many options as possible to rescue workers. It is our priority to reach those who are stuck for days here. We don't lack any resources, options and ideas, we just need some coordinated action and we are trying to make teams and reach there somehow.

Khulbe who is also the Special Executive Officer in the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, said that the option of vertical drilling is open.

"We are also getting help from foreign consultants. PM Modi's message is to do this operation as soon as possible," he said.

Earlier today, Chris Cooper, a micro tunnelling expert arrived at the Silkyara tunnel incident site to monitor the rescue operation.

Cooper, who is also a consultant for the Rishikesh Karnprayag rail project reached the site to monitor the rescue operation of 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel for six days now.

Also, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a review meeting with senior officials on Saturday and announced that the state government would provide accommodation, food and health facilities to the families of the workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel, located on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road.

He also directed the Garhwal Commissioner that all arrangements for accommodation, food and health should be made for the families of the workers in Chinyalisour and its surrounding areas.

The under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed in the early hours of November 12.

The 4531-metre Silkyara Tunnel is part of the Chardham Project of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and will link the Gangotri and Yamunotri axis under the Radi Pass area.

The tunnel is being constructed by NHIDCL through Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd at a cost of Rs 853.79 crore. (ANI)