DEHRADUN: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), the executing agency for the Silkyara tunnel project, indicated it will take at least 4-6 months to put the project back on track.
A portion of the tunnel on the Silkyara side collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers until they were rescued after 17 days on Tuesday.Subsequently, a cavity emerged on both right and left sides of the tunnel’s crown.
Anshu Manish Khalkho, director (admin & finance), NHIDCL, told TOI on Thursday, “The project is operational, and our goal is to restore it within the next 4-6 months.”
Khalkho said that the immediate focus will be to use mechanical methods to remove debris from the 60m area. Following this, repair of the cavity on the tunnel’s crown, guided by expert recommendations, will take place. Reprofiling of the inner lining will be undertaken, specifically addressing the section where the collapse occurred.
He added that the tunnel construction and investigation into the partial collapse will proceed concurrently. “Not only will the company responsible for constructing the tunnel be scrutinised, but we’ll assess the entire system responsible for executing such significant projects. The ministry of road transport and highways will take measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
Regarding the impact of vertical drilling conducted by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd to establish a 1.2m diameter escape passage, he said they would fill the borehole.
A portion of the tunnel on the Silkyara side collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers until they were rescued after 17 days on Tuesday.Subsequently, a cavity emerged on both right and left sides of the tunnel’s crown.
Anshu Manish Khalkho, director (admin & finance), NHIDCL, told TOI on Thursday, “The project is operational, and our goal is to restore it within the next 4-6 months.”
Khalkho said that the immediate focus will be to use mechanical methods to remove debris from the 60m area. Following this, repair of the cavity on the tunnel’s crown, guided by expert recommendations, will take place. Reprofiling of the inner lining will be undertaken, specifically addressing the section where the collapse occurred.
He added that the tunnel construction and investigation into the partial collapse will proceed concurrently. “Not only will the company responsible for constructing the tunnel be scrutinised, but we’ll assess the entire system responsible for executing such significant projects. The ministry of road transport and highways will take measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
Regarding the impact of vertical drilling conducted by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd to establish a 1.2m diameter escape passage, he said they would fill the borehole.