The long-awaited reopening of the Silkyara Tunnel, which was obstructed by a landslide, is finally nearing reality. Authorities have made significant progress in clearing the debris by constructing two drift tunnels inside the main tunnel. One of these drift tunnels has already been excavated up to 52 meters, with only eight meters left to be completed. The remaining excavation is expected to take one to two months, after which traffic can resume through the tunnel.
Silkyara Tunnel Landslide Debris to be Cleared Soon
The landslide, which occurred on November 12 last year, trapped 41 workers inside the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel, part of the Char Dham Road Project on the Yamunotri Highway. A 17-day rescue operation successfully saved all the workers. However, the landslide debris has since hindered further construction from the Silkyara end of the tunnel.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the executing agency, is overseeing the construction of drift tunnels to safely remove the debris. The project involves the creation of three small tunnels, two of which are currently under excavation.
One of the drift tunnels has reached 52 meters, leaving only eight meters to be excavated. Once this is complete, passage through the tunnel will be possible. Additionally, the ongoing excavation from the Silkyara end will help clear the debris from the other end, facilitating the completion of the main tunnel.
Rajesh Panwar, Project Manager at Navayuga Engineering, the construction company, stated, “The excavation of the drift tunnel is being carried out cautiously, transforming the debris into solid material. If all goes well, passage through the tunnel could be restored within one to two months.”
The successful progress in the drift tunnel construction has lifted the spirits of officials from both the construction company and the executing agency. The landslide had significantly delayed the tunnel’s construction, but with the current pace of work, there is renewed optimism that the project will soon be back on track. Excavation is also ongoing from the Barkot end of the tunnel, further contributing to the overall progress.
This breakthrough marks a critical step towards resuming traffic through the Silkyara Tunnel, which is a vital link in the Char Dham Road Project. The completion of this project will significantly enhance connectivity and safety for pilgrims and travelers on the Yamunotri Highway.
