Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave directions and kept himself abreast of the operations to rescue the trapped 41 workers, ever since they were caught in the predicament with the collapse of the Silkyara road tunnel on 12 November.

Modi was in touch with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on phone all through, to know the latest and to give him support, while constantly evaluating the requirement of any specialised or high-level supervision for the rescue work.

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As a few days passed, the operations showed the prime minister had not only given all freedom to the rescuers in their work, but was supplementing their efforts with induction of men and material they required.

Even without visiting the spot personally, Modi was quite close to the scene of operations, while maintaining distance as well. The prime minister was apprised of the rescue of the workers immediately.

The workers started coming out of the tunnel early Tuesday night, after the rescue operations passed through several ups and downs. There were repeated attempts to reach the workers through an opening in the fallen debris and other options were also considered.

Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) visited the spot a number of times. On Monday, Principal Secretary to PMO P K Mishra visited the spot and took stock of the situation. He gave instructions on monitoring health of the trapped workers from time to time.

The principal secretary also inquired about the food items being sent to the workers. Mishra spoke to the trapped workers and their families. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla too paid a visit and saw the work in the tunnel.

On 12th November last, the collapse occurred in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to debris falling in a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side. Resources were mobilised by the State and Central Governments.

The prime minister made inquiries about the well-being of the trapped workers every day and instructed the chief minister to ensure their safety, as well as, of those involved in the rescue operations.

The chief minister updated the PM regarding the progress of the drilling works inside the tunnel adding that if the rescuers do not encounter any hurdle in the course, all the workers will be evacuated soon.

The prime minister also directed the chief minister to ensure that the families of the trapped workers do not face any problems. The upcoming strategy for the operations was also discussed.