At least 36 workers are feared trapped after a portion of a tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway in Uttarkashi collapsed on Sunday morning, reports PTI. No casualties have been reported.
The incident took place at around 6 AM.
Rescue operations are being undertaken by police, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force personnel, Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpan Yaduvanshi said.
The collapsed portion is located about 200 metres from the entrance of the tunnel, the SP said, adding that an oxygen pipe had been inserted into the collapsed part of the tunnel so that those trapped would not have difficulty breathing.
Food items are also being sent in and the workers will be rescued soon, the cop added.
The tunnel is part of the Char Dham all-weather road project. Its construction will reduce the journey between Uttarkashi to Yamunotri by 26 km.
