Timeline of the various challenges faced by the evacuation teams and the evolving strategies deployed to free the trapped workers since the tunnel collapse at dawn on DiwaliAlso See: Uttarakhand Tunnel NewsNovember 12 | Day 1- Portion of tunnel collapses around 6am, trapping 41 workers - Rescue operation starts, involving shotcreting of loose structures and excavation of debris over 57 metresDay 2- 4-inch supply lifeline established to provide dry ration and maintain oxygen supply - First communication with workers Shotcreting stops due to falling debris, injuring 2 workersDay 3Drilling begins with locally sourced auger machine to create escape passage through debrisDay 4- Drilling work halts due to slow performance of auger machine - Advanced American auger machine airlifted from DelhiDay 5- American machine starts drilling 900mm pipes into debris - Workers protest against the slow pace of rescue operationDay 6- Auger machine faces problems, cannot drill beyond 22 meters into debris - Cracking sounds trigger fears of further collapse; drilling suspendedDay 7- PMO team reaches tunnel to review the operation - Decision to pursue multiple options simultaneously, including vertical drilling and creating escape channelsDay 8- Union minister Nitin Gadkari visits tunnel, meets family members of trapped workers- Rescue agencies pursue groundwork for a ?ve-pronged strategyDay 9- Major breakthrough: Additional supply lifeline with 6-inch pipe established- Australian tunnel expert Arnold Dix arrives at tunnelDay 10First visuals of trapped workers emerge via endoscopic camera pushed through pipeDay 11- Drilled significantly, pushing escape passage pipes 45 meters into debris - Trapped workers get first hot meals - Auger machine hits iron girderDay 12- Metal obstacle that stopped drilling cleared - Auger machine resumes boring, but can only drill 1.8 meters more before hitting another hard objectDay 13Change in strategy to mixed approach: Workers remove debris manually to make way for auger machineDay 14US-made auger machine blades hit metal obstacle, get entangled in rubbleDay 15Army personnel (Madras Sappers regiment) brought in to remove auger blades from pipeDay 16Rat-hole miners, specialised in small tunnel burrowing, manually dig through debrisNovember 28 | Day 17 - At 1.10pm, miners achieve crucial breakthrough 7.12pm: NDRF team and doctors enter 800mm pipe to reach trapped workers- 7.28pm: First trapped worker, Vijay Horo, wheeled out on stretcher through pipe.All the trapped workers pulled out safely soon after.The success of the rescue operation is making everyone emotional.
I want to say to them (the rescued men) your courage and patience are inspiring everyone.
I wish you all the best...I also salute the spirit of all associated with this operation...
Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity - teamwork.PM Modi