A major industrial tragedy struck the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Thursday evening when a section of the under-construction DRT hydro project tunnel collapsed following a massive outburst of water and debris. The subterranean tunnel, managed at the site by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), trapped workers deep inside when a high-pressure cavity ruptured around 1.8 kilometers from the portal. Authorities have confirmed that 7 workers lost their lives in the disaster, while 18 individuals were successfully rescued by emergency responders. A high-stakes search and rescue operation remains underway to locate 3 workers who are still missing inside the mud-filled cavern.
Sudden Cavity Rupture Triggers Chaos Inside Tunnel
The incident unfolded on Thursday evening between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM inside the 3.5-kilometer-long hydroelectric project tunnel. At the time of the collapse, construction crews were engaged in gravity packing operations approximately 1.8 kilometers deep within the subterranean passage. Suddenly, a massive underground cavity ruptured with explosive force, releasing thousands of metric tons of slurry, mud, and water into the working area.
The violent flood of debris swept through the tunnel, rapidly filling the passageway and expanding up to 1.5 kilometers inward from the main entrance gate. The sudden surge triggered sheer panic among the workforce. Workers were knocked off their feet and swept along by the raging torrent of water and sludge before getting submerged in deep silt. The narrow confines of the cavern echoed with cries for help as the thick slurry blocked primary escape routes.
Rescue Efforts and Operational Challenges
Upon receiving the distress call, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local district administration, and regional disaster management agencies mobilized immediately to the site. First responders braved perilous conditions inside the dark, silt-heavy tunnel to extract 18 surviving workers who were trapped closer to accessible sections.
However, as night fell, the massive accumulation of heavy silt, mud, and continuous water seepage forced emergency commanders to temporarily suspend deep-tunnel search operations due to safety hazards. Rescue teams resumed operations at break of day, deploying heavy excavation machinery, high-capacity water pumps, and specialized lighting equipment to clear the thick mud barrier and reach the remaining 3 missing personnel.
Government Coordination and Ministerial Oversight
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation immediately after the accident and instructed the state administration to carry out relief and rescue work on a war footing. Directing officials to ensure immediate medical attention for the injured, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that no effort would be spared in retrieving the missing workers. He is personally monitoring the progress of the rescue operations continuously from the state headquarters.
Recognizing that the workforce at the Pipalkoti construction site included migrant laborers from other states, Chief Minister Dhami established direct contact with the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. He briefed both state leaders on the ongoing rescue measures, safety status, and medical care being provided to workers hailing from their respective states.
Past Infrastructure Incidents in Chamoli
This tragic incident underscores ongoing safety concerns associated with heavy subterranean tunneling across the geologically sensitive terrain of Chamoli district. In December 2025, a severe accident occurred inside another tunnel in Chamoli when two loco transportation trains collided head-on, resulting in injuries to 70 workers. The repeated occurrence of structural and operational failures highlights the critical need for enhanced safety monitoring in mountain infrastructure endeavors.
