In this image released by @pushkardhami via X on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attends the breakthrough of the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi district.
| Photo Credit: X@pushkardhami
In a significant milestone, the excavation of the 4.53-km Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarakhand was completed on Wednesday (April 16, 2025), with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami saying it would be named after Baba Baukhnag, a local deity. A portion of the under-construction tunnel had collapsed on November 12, 2023, trapping 41 construction workers inside. They were rescued after 17 days.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Baba Baukhnag temple at the mouth of the tunnel. He congratulated all engineers, technical experts, and workers associated with the project. He stated that the breakthrough, the meeting of both ends of the tunnel, was not just a success of advanced engineering but a living example of faith and dedication.
He said the Silkyara tunnel rescue was the longest and most complex rescue mission in the world. Each individual involved in the mission demonstrated an extraordinary example of humanity and teamwork. It was a true test of technical and human resolve, and everyone came together to ensure its success.
He also expressed gratitude to the entire rescue team, rat miners, the NDRF, the SDRF, and all cooperating agencies who played a crucial role in making the operation successful.
“The whole world was watching the Silkyara rescue,” Mr. Dhami added.
The double-lane tunnel is a significant project in the Char Dham Yatra route. Being built at an estimated cost of ₹1,384 crore, the tunnel will reduce the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri by 25 km.
Published – April 16, 2025 08:58 pm IST
