The government has announced plans to overhaul standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tunnel construction following the collapse of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel. An expert panel identified numerous shortcomings in the project, which left 41 workers stranded for over two weeks in November last year.
Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain, in a press briefing, assured that the Silkyara tunnel project in Uttarkashi is still feasible, emphasizing that the government will not abandon it. Despite the collapse, the project remains on track for completion.
Lessons Learned: Expert Panel Identifies Shortcomings in Silkyara Tunnel
An expert panel, investigating the collapse of a portion of the Silkyara tunnel, pointed out significant shortcomings in the project. Secretary Anurag Jain acknowledged the lessons learned from the incident, emphasizing the need for corrective measures.
Investigative Committee’s Recommendations: Changes to SOPs for Tunnel Construction
To prevent future mishaps like the Silkyara collapse, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) established a five-member committee. The committee recommended changes to the standard operating procedures for tunnel construction, and the government is committed to implementing these suggestions.
NHIDCL’s Role: Construction of Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), through Hyderabad-based Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd, is responsible for constructing the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel. The project, featuring a single-tube tunnel with inter-connected corridors, is integral to the 900-kilometer Char Dham Yatra all-weather road, aiming to enhance connectivity to the four pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
(With PTI Inputs)