Ambulances which had lined up at the tunnel ferried the workers to a community health centre where a special 41-bed ward had been set up. Before this, the workers were given a quick medical checkup inside the tunnel. Talking to PTI over the phone, Vishal said, "We never lost hope. I am absolutely fine. All of us are fine and I am thankful to everyone for evacuating us safely."
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has taken over the rescue operation for the 41 labourers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand. With pipe-laying works completed, NDRF initiated a mock drill exercise before starting the final stage of the rescue. The operation involves creating a ramp and a special stretcher for evacuation. Ambulances are on standby, and a green corridor has been established for smooth transportation to hospitals.
In Uttarkashi, the Silkyara tunnel s pipe-laying work has been completed, and a temporary medical facility inside the tunnel has been expanded to aid the rescue of 41 trapped workers. The Health Department has set up eight beds with a team of doctors and experts to provide medical attention. A Chinook helicopter is on standby for airlifting workers after rescue.
Ninety-five per cent of the work on the 1,165 metre-long and 30 metre-wide Chinyalisaur airstrip is through, an official said, adding that work on an ATC tower, a terminal and levelling of the area around the runway remains to be done.