PM Modi praises rescued workers: "Your courage is inspiring"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed admiration for the 41 workers who were successfully rescued from the Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel after enduring a challenging 17-day ordeal."We have the blessings of Kedarnath, Badrinath. Had something untoward happened, I can't describe how we could have taken that. You all have shown exemplary bravery," PM Modi said.

"You had each other's back throughout the crisis. At times like this, it is not rare to get into a little tu tu-main main. This happens even in a railway compartment. But you all have remained united," PM Modi said.

PM Modi lauded the workers for maintaining unity during the crisis, emphasizing that, despite being from different states, they supported each other like brothers. He noted the disciplined efforts of Union Minister of State General VK Singh (Retd), who showcased his Army training throughout the rescue operation.

The workers, who had been trapped inside the 2.5 km tunnel, shared their experiences with PM Modi, highlighting their camaraderie and daily routines inside the entrapment.The international attention garnered by the 17-day rescue operation, involving the deployment of an American-made heavy-duty auger machine and rat-hole miners, was underscored.

PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the success of the operation and extended well wishes to the rescued workers. He acknowledged the patience and courage demonstrated by the workers' families and conveyed his gratitude to the rescuers. The workers, now out of the tunnel, are in good health, and PM Modi continued his engagement by speaking to them over the telephone at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur.