Another landslide has been reported inside the under-construction Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The tunnel is being constructed along the Yamunotri Highway under the Char Dham road project.

According to the information available, debris fell around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel from the Polgaon-Barkot end. The material spread inside the tunnel following the incident, raising concerns over construction safety and the stability of the underground structure.

Images and videos showing debris inside the tunnel circulated on social media on Monday, drawing attention to the latest incident.

The construction company, Navayuga Engineering Limited, has said that occasional debris falls can occur inside an under-construction tunnel. Project manager Shri Ram said that some debris had fallen around 1,300 metres inside the tunnel and that efforts were underway to remove it.

The company has denied that the situation is currently alarming.

 Major Incident Took Place in 2023

The Silkyara tunnel had already gained national attention following a major accident in 2023. Heavy debris fell around 200 metres inside the tunnel from the Silkyara end, trapping 41 workers who were involved in the construction work.

A major rescue operation was subsequently launched to bring the workers out safely. After an operation lasting around 17 days, all 41 workers were successfully rescued.

The incident had raised serious questions regarding tunnel safety, geological conditions and construction practices in the mountainous region.

Even after that incident, debris falls and landslide-related events have continued to occur in and around the construction zone from time to time.

 Construction Started in 2018

Construction of the Silkyara tunnel began in 2018. The project was initially expected to be completed by 2022, but technical and construction-related difficulties delayed the work.

The tunnel is being constructed as part of the Char Dham road project on the Yamunotri Highway. At around 4.5 kilometres in length, it is one of the longest road tunnels currently under construction in Uttarakhand.

 Tunnel Was Connected in 2024

The tunnel was successfully connected from both ends in 2024, allowing construction work to progress further.

Around 90 per cent of the civil construction work is currently reported to have been completed. The project now has a target of completion by March 2027.

Once completed, the tunnel is expected to improve connectivity along the Yamunotri route and make travel easier for pilgrims and other visitors heading towards the region.

 Safety Concerns Resurface

The latest debris fall has once again brought attention to the safety of the under-construction tunnel. Given the major incident in 2023, any new landslide or debris fall inside the tunnel is likely to attract heightened concern.

However, the construction company has stated that there is no immediate alarming situation and that the debris is being removed. The focus now remains on clearing the material safely and ensuring that construction activities can continue without compromising worker safety.