'Will Get You Out Safely': PM's Principal Secretary Tells Workers In Tunnel

Sources said PK Mishra advised the agencies to conduct the rescue operation at a fast pace while prioritising the safety of men and machinery.

On the 16th day of the operation to rescue 41 labourers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, visited the site and assured the teams of all possible support from the Union government. Mr Mishra also spoke to the trapped workers and their family members and reassured them that they would be rescued safely at the earliest.

After horizontal drilling with the auger machine was abandoned on Saturday in favour of manual drilling, rescue teams are now looking at several other options to reach trapped construction workers. Mr Mishra took stock of the vertical drilling being done by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Satlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited and also examined the work on the 170-metre perpendicular tunnel.

Mr Mishra interacted with the trapped workers through the communication line and assured them of their safe rescue. Sources said the workers exuded confidence and optimism. He also spoke to the family members of the labourers and gave them the same assurance.