Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave directions and kept himself abreast with 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.

Soon after the successful completion of the rescue mission, the prime minister posted a message on X: “The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional.”

“I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones,” he said.

“The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough. I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation,” the prime minister said.

He said: “Their bravery and determination have given new life to our laboor brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork.”

उत्तरकाशी में हमारे श्रमिक भाइयों के रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन की सफलता हर किसी को भावुक कर देने वाली है।

टनल में जो साथी फंसे हुए थे, उनसे मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि आपका साहस और धैर्य हर किसी को प्रेरित कर रहा है। मैं आप सभी की कुशलता और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य की कामना करता हूं।

यह अत्यंत…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2023

The prime minister 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 specialized or high-level supervision for the rescue work.

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 enquired 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.