Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Auger drilling machine from Odisha’s Hirakud sent to aid rescue ops

The rescue operations for the safe evacuation of 41 workers trapped inside collapsed Silkyara tunnel have entered 13th day. The rescue operations are being challenged by the stubborn debris and rocks, which the rescue teams are finding difficult to pierce through. 

To evacuate the stuck labourers, a special Auger machine from Sambalpur’s Hirakud Dam has been sent to the collapse site for drilling to strengthen the rescue mission.  

According to the sources, the Auger machine belongs to a private company owned by Hindalco Company. The machine was transported to Raipur from Hirakud by train, and then it was taken to Gwalior by a trailer.

After the rescue teams' call, arrangements were initiated to send the machine to the collapsed site in Uttarakhand. 

The special auger machine weighs 380 tons and it can drill up to 95 meters. As the machine is huge in size and weighs tons, it is dismantled before being transported.