Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: auger machine damaged, manual drilling to continue operation

In the ongoing rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in a partially collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, the US-made Auger machine, which encountered frequent breakdowns, sustained damage as its blades struck an obstacle again. Authorities brought out the damaged machine on Saturday morning, and the decision was made to complete the rescue operation through manual drilling. As only a few meters separate the trapped workers and the rescuers, the heavy-duty drillers will be moved back 22 meters, leaving the remaining 6-9 meters of debris to be cleared manually. Tunneling expert Arnold Dix confirmed the irreparable damage to the Auger machine, stating that there would be no further drilling from it.

The frequent breakdowns in the Auger machine had been causing delays in the rescue efforts, with each obstruction requiring the machine to be pulled back 50 meters for repairs, consuming 5-7 hours each time. An official, speaking anonymously, explained that the rescue team had decided to extend the pipeline further through manual drilling to expedite the operation. The use of ground-penetrating radar revealed no heavy objects up to 5 meters inside the tunnel, providing insights into the rescue strategy.

Additionally, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been tasked with transporting machines for vertical drilling, exploring this option after the horizontal drilling encountered obstacles. The 41 trapped workers, secure within a built portion of the tunnel since November 12, continue to receive essential supplies of food, water, medicines, and oxygen.